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Bees, which thrive in numerous ecosystems worldwide, boast an astounding estimate of around 20 quadrillion individuals, far surpassing the total human population. This total includes an estimated 1 to 6 trillion domesticated honeybees housed in about 100 million hives, and potentially equal or greater numbers of wild honeybees. Beyond honeybees, over 20,000 bee species exist—a diverse array that significantly impacts other animal populations and our food supply.
The sheer weight of these bees is astonishing too; if calculations hold, they may outweigh all of humanity by at least five times. They pollinate an estimated one trillion flowers daily, shaping our planet's flora.