Approximately how many species of bees are on Earth?

Approximately 20,000 species of bees inhabit the Earth, which reflects the immense biodiversity within the Apiformes group. This number includes a wide variety of bees, ranging from the well-known honeybee and bumblebee to solitary species. The diversity among bee species allows them to occupy various ecological niches and play crucial roles in pollination, which is vital for the reproduction of many plants, including crops. This extensive range of species also highlights the importance of conservation efforts, as different species may have different habitat requirements and vulnerabilities to environmental changes.

The other provided figures, while they represent high estimates of bee diversity, are not as accurate as the figure of 20,000. This variance in estimates can occur due to ongoing discoveries in taxonomy and the complexity involved in classifying bee species. Understanding the correct number informs beekeepers and conservationists about the scope of bee diversity and the ecosystems they support.