As a paleontologist with a deep interest in the history of life on Earth, I've spent considerable time studying the fossil record. The fossil record is a vast repository of information that provides a glimpse into the past, revealing the existence and evolution of species that once roamed the planet. It's a subject that is both fascinating and complex, with new discoveries being made all the time.

The number of fossils found in the world is not a fixed number, as it is constantly growing as new discoveries are made. However, to give you a sense of scale, it's important to understand that the fossil record is not just a count of individual fossils but also includes the identification of species. The number of species identified in the fossil record is estimated to be around 250,000, which is a significant figure but only a small fraction of the total number of species that have likely existed throughout Earth's history.

It's also important to note that the fossilization process is quite rare and requires specific conditions. Many species that have lived on Earth have not been preserved as fossils. Therefore, the actual number of species that have existed is believed to be much higher than the number currently identified in the fossil record.

Furthermore, it's estimated that there are over 1,000,000 species that exist today. When we compare this number with the species identified in the fossil record, it suggests that a large proportion of species that have ever existed are still alive today. This is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life on our planet.

However, it's crucial to recognize that these numbers are not static and are subject to change as new fossil discoveries are made and as our understanding of the fossil record improves. Paleontologists are continually working to uncover more about the history of life on Earth, and with each new find, our knowledge expands.

In conclusion, while it's challenging to provide a precise count of fossils found worldwide, we can say that the number of species identified in the fossil record is approximately 250,000, and there are over 1,000,000 species living today. This highlights the dynamic nature of life and the ongoing process of discovery in the field of paleontology.

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There are roughly 250,000 species that have been identified in the fossil record, and well over 1,000,000 species that exist today. Taken at face value, even if every species in the fossil record has gone extinct (which they haven't), that means that 80% of species that ever existed ARE STILL ALIVE.Jan 12, 2010read more >>