How many Animal Species have we Discovered?

Summary

Podcast Summary: Who Smarted? – “How Many Animal Species Have We Discovered?”

Release Date: May 1, 2026
Host: Trusty (Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media)
Special Guest Character: George (a small, quirky jungle insect)

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode transports listeners into the jungle for a fun, fact-filled exploration of the world of species discovery. Trusty (the trusty narrator) and George (a six-legged leaf-dweller), using wit and kid-friendly banter, tackle big questions:

• How do scientists discover and classify new animal species?
• How many animal species have humans already found?
• And just how many are left to find?

Through storytelling, character interactions, and interactive trivia, the episode makes serious science and history topics accessible, funny, and memorable for kids and curious listeners of all ages.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jungle Encounter: Classification & Discovery

• [01:14–02:57]
  • Trusty meets George in the jungle and jokes about each other’s physical features, leading to the question of what it means to “discover” a new animal.
  • They discuss how everyone looks typical to themselves, but what seems new to one might be familiar to another.
• Banter highlight:
  • Trusty: “Maybe we’ve discovered each other.”
  • George: “Um, I don’t think so. I’ve lived here a while. At least two days.” (02:17)

The Science of Finding a New Species

• [04:13–08:39]
  • Trusty explains the process for officially recognizing a new species:
    • Gathering evidence (living or dead specimens, photographs, measurements, descriptions, even “scat” aka poo)
    • Comparing traits to databases of all known species
    • Ensuring it isn’t already documented
  • George provides details about his own life: a week-long lifespan, being mostly vegetarian, his physical features.
  • Memorable exchange:
    • George: “I did. I ate them.”
    • Trusty: “You ate them?”
    • George: “As larva. It’s no biggie. That’s how we roll.” (07:02–07:09)
• On classifying new animals:
  • Trusty: “When classifying a new species, scientists analyze their evidence with the databases of all known species up to this moment, which changes rapidly now that information travels so quickly.” (08:19)

Existence of Undiscovered Species

• [09:02–13:51]
  • Trusty muses on whether George could be an undiscovered weevil, but after a break and a “Google search,” identifies him as the Bigfoot Weevil (Rhinastus latisternus).
  • Trusty: “You’re what’s known as Rhinastus latisternus… nicknamed the Bigfoot Weevil. Bigfoot? Not that Bigfoot.” (13:30)

The Numbers: Discovered vs. Undiscovered Species

• [14:04–15:06]
  • Big reveal and quiz for listeners:
    • Each year, scientists discover about 18,000 new species (14:22).
    • Currently, an estimated 1.2 million species have been classified and studied (14:43).
    • It’s believed that there are about 8.7 million total species on Earth, meaning millions remain undiscovered (14:49).
  • George: “Whoa. So how many species have already been discovered?”
  • Trusty: “So far, there are an estimated 1.2 million species that we’ve classified and studied.” (14:43)

Why So Many Species Remain Undiscovered

• [15:06–16:06]
  • Species are hiding in:
    • Difficult-to-reach locations: deep oceans, high mountains, extreme climates, remote forests (Amazon rainforest, ocean depths, etc.)
    • Environments too inhospitable or expensive for scientists to fully explore.
  • Trusty: “Earth is just teeming with biodiversity, or the variety of life.” (15:19)
  • Species can survive in places where humans can’t, making them hard to discover (15:41).

A Brief History of Species Discovery

• [16:04–16:33]
  • Humans have cataloged life for at least 35,000 years—early cave paintings were records of animals.
  • Shout-out to Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution; importance of scientists recording their discoveries.
  • Trusty: “Cave paintings represent their early record keeping.” (16:04)

Recent Discoveries: Mekong Biodiversity Hotspot

• [16:41–17:20]
  • Recent finds in Southeast Asia (Greater Mekong region) include:
    • A venomous snake
    • A mossy tree frog
    • A thick-thumbed bat
    • A color-changing lizard
    • An orchid that looks like a Muppet
  • Trivia segment:
    • 380 new species classified in the Mekong region in just two years (17:20).
  • Trusty: “Organisms come in all shapes, sizes, colors and patterns… Known species may evolve to create entirely new species, a process known as speciation.” (17:24)

Big-Hearted Ending

• [17:24–17:57]
  • Species come in all sizes, from tiny insects to massive animals.
  • Even if you’re not a brand-new species, making a new friend—or learning something new—counts for a lot!
  • Trusty: “Well, George, even though you’re not a new species, it is nice to make a new friend.” (17:48)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trusty (explaining discovery):
  "To prove you’re a new species and classify you scientifically, I have to provide lots of evidence. This frequently includes a member of the species discovered alive or dead... But could I maybe take your picture?" (06:14)

• George (on being unique):
  "I live and breathe and poop and eat. I feel free and happy to be. Be. I also love to sing." (05:46)

• Trusty (the numbers):
  "The answer is... approximately 18,000 new species are discovered every year." (14:22)

• Trusty (on biodiversity):
  "Earth is just teeming with biodiversity, or the variety of life." (15:19)

• Trusty (on evolution):
  “Known species may evolve to create entirely new species, a process known as speciation.” (17:24)

• George (quirky humor):
  "Oh, do you think we could take another one with the hat?" (17:50)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:14 – Jungle encounter: Trusty meets George; the concept of “discovery”
• 05:46 – What makes a species unique; George’s life story
• 08:19 – Scientific process for finding new species
• 13:30 – Real identity: George is a “Bigfoot Weevil”
• 14:22 – Trivia: New species discovered each year (18,000)
• 14:43 – How many species have been documented (1.2 million)
• 15:19 – Biodiversity explained; where new species hide
• 16:04 – Brief history: humans recording animal species
• 16:41 – Real-world examples: Mekong region discoveries
• 17:24 – Speciation; episode wrap-up, friendship celebrated

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Style & Tone

• Fun and playful: Quick banter, puns, and silly exchanges keep the science approachable and memorable.
• Interactive: Listeners are invited to guess answers and think along.
• Educational with humor: Complex scientific methods and statistics are distilled into quirky scenarios and friendly conversations.
• Warm and encouraging: Continual focus on curiosity, discovery, and the joy of learning (and making new friends).

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Summary

This episode of "Who Smarted?" masterfully blends humor, interactive questions, and real science to explore the amazing world of animal species discovery. Kids and families learn not only about the process of classifying new species and the vast numbers still waiting to be found, but also about the adventure—and fun—of staying curious about the world around us.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, parents Trusty here. You know what I hear constantly from homeschool parents in the WhoSmarted community? Thank you for introducing us to IXL. I get it. My cousin homeschools her kids and raves about how much IXL helps. We're heading into that stretch where families are finishing the year strong, and then summer hits with travel camps and shifting routines, and that's where IXL shines. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling, with interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. Everything's organized by grade and subject, so you quickly find what each kid needs. Kids get instant explanations. And parents, you get clear Progress reports. Over 15 million students use IXL and it's proven to improve achievement in all 50 states. So make an impact on your child's learning. Who Smarted? Listeners get an exclusive 20% off when they sign up today at www.ixl.com smartid. That's ixl.com and now it's time for who's Smarted? Psst. Hey, smarty pants. In case you couldn't tell, I'm making my way through the jungle. And who are you?

[B]

I'm George. Who are you?

[A]

I'm Trusty.

[B]

You're quite big. Enormous, even.

[A]

You're quite small. Miniscule, even.

[B]

You have a large nose.

[A]

I could say the same about you.

[B]

What I don't understand is how your two tidy feet can hold up your enormous torso.

[A]

I could lose a few pounds, but I wouldn't say enormous. Also, why does someone as small as you need six legs with comically large feet to hold themselves up?

[B]

Hey, my feet help me keep from slipping off wet leaves. Sorry about the big nose and torso crack.

[A]

Yeah, I'm sorry, too. I got flustered when you snuck up on me like that.

[B]

Snuck up on you? You're in my house.

[A]

Oh, I beg your pardon. I think we've gotten off on the wrong appropriately sized feet. I'm the trusty narrator from the WhoSmarted podcast, and this is my first time visiting Per. But I've traveled all over and met lots of cool creatures. But I've never seen a ewe before.

[B]

Well, I've never seen a ewe, smarty pants.

[A]

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Have I discovered you?

[B]

Um, I don't think so. I've lived here a while. At least two days.

[A]

Yeah, I don't know if two days qualifies as a while. I'm just saying I've lived at my current house for 23 years.

[B]

23 years? That would make you ancient.

[A]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's not start with the name name calling again. But maybe, just maybe, something else is going on here.

[B]

Like what?

[A]

Maybe we've discovered each other.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Ooh. But what does that even mean? How are new species discovered? What do you need to do to prove you've discovered a new species? And how many species are still left to discover?

[B]

You got me? No ideas.

[A]

It's time to explore the possibilities as we take a big whiff of science and history. On who smarted, who's smarted? Who's smart?

[B]

Is it you?

[A]

Is it me? Is it science or history? Listen up, everyone. We make smarting lots of fun, but who's smart and. Okay, smarty pants, I'm here in the jungle speaking to George, a small six legged creature that's unlike anything I've ever seen before anywhere. In books, nature shows, online, in museums or zoos. It's like it never existed. Until now.

[B]

Wow, you talk to yourself too. I gotta say, there's a lot of weird stuff going on with you.

[A]

Me?

[B]

Yeah, you. A giant creature I've never seen before in my life stumbles into my house and claims it discovered me. What gives?

[A]

What gives is I'm talking to a creature I've never seen or heard of before.

[B]

Hey, I'm just living a quiet life here on this leaf. I wake up, eat, scuttle, to and fro, eat some more, try not to be eaten, poop, write to poetry and rest.

[A]

Sure, but what if I told you your leaf is on a bamboo plant in the Amazon rainforest in the country of Peru? That's part of the continent of South America. That's just one of seven continents on a planet Earth. That's one of eight planets in. In a solar system, in a galaxy surrounded by a vast universe containing a nearly infinite number of solar systems and galaxies. Would that blow your mind?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Look, I know this all sounds crazy, but there's a giant world out there filled with creatures. Some look like me, some look like you, and some look like neither of us. The point is, everybody thinks they look typical when everyone else in their species looks kind of like they do.

[B]

My family all looks like me, but they're dead.

[A]

Oh, no. I'm so sorry.

[B]

It's okay. Our lifespan's only about a week.

[A]

Oh. Well, humans can live as long as a century, which is 100 years, give or take. Anyway, based on your observations of me, some more accurate than others, as well as your surprised reaction, I have reason to believe I'm the first of my kind to come this way.

[B]

Yep. Or at least the two days I've been alive.

[A]

Now stay with me here. The reason I know you didn't discover me is because there's a wealth of scientific information describing my species. See, I'm what's known as a Homo sapien, from the Latin meaning wise man.

[B]

If you say so. Sorry, continue.

[A]

I'm also an animal and a mammal. Both broader classifications. Do you know what you are?

[B]

Why, I'm a bee. A bee? With certain certainty, with every fiber of my being. I live and breathe and poop and eat. I feel free and happy to be. Be. I also love to sing.

[A]

I see. And while you are certainly free to be you and to have me recognize you as an individual, I also may have discovered you as a species.

[B]

Go. Odd.

[A]

Now, to prove you're a new species and classify you scientifically, I have to provide lots of evidence. This frequently includes a member of the species discovered alive or dead. Don't worry. I have no intention of removing you from your home or, you know. But could I maybe take your picture?

[B]

Oh, I'll get my hat.

[A]

No hat. I want to see your face. Now. I have photographic proof. Next, it would be helpful to measure you. I'd say five, no, six millimeters. Also, what can you tell me regarding your species life cycle?

[B]

Well, like I mentioned, we tend to live seven days. We lay eggs that usually hatch in six to ten days.

[A]

Ah, so you have siblings.

[B]

I did. I ate them.

[A]

You ate them?

[B]

As larva. It's no biggie. That's how we roll.

[A]

Okay. Do you eat other creatures?

[B]

Mostly vegetarian. Leaves, stems, fruits.

[A]

Other evidence that might be useful includes fossils.

[B]

Can't help you there. Hair? Pretty hairless.

[A]

You're too small to get a footprint. Oh, I know. Scat.

[B]

You want me to leave?

[A]

No, I want you to poo.

[B]

Seriously, you can learn a lot about

[A]

a species from its scat, AKA poo. Maybe later. What else? Describe yourself.

[B]

I've got six legs, big leaf gripping feet. I have an exoskeleton, a super log proboscis or nose. Chewing mouth parts, two eyes, a bumpy exterior with a sort of gray creep coloring. I've got Kool aid Tadai. And a beautiful felt hat I wear when I tap dance.

[A]

I love that. But no hat.

[B]

Why not?

[A]

Because it doesn't qualify as something shared amongst every member of your species. It's a style choice, not an identifying characteristic.

[B]

Ah. Makes sense.

[A]

When classifying a new species, scientists analyze their evidence with the databases of all known species up to this moment, which changes rapidly now that information travels so quickly. They must be sure their evidence is unrelated to any existing species. And now, looking at you, I'm starting to think you're a weevil.

[B]

Cool. What's that?

[A]

A weevil is a kind of beetle.

[B]

So that a dot do?

[A]

I didn't say that. While many species of weevil are documented, you could be a new species of weevil. Subtle differences can account for a lot, but most likely your species has already been discovered.

[B]

Don't be discouraged, trusty. I'm sure there's other new species out there.

[A]

What do you think, smartypants? Are there lots of new species still to discover?

[B]

You got me. No idea.

[A]

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[C]

Who's that walking through the woods? Wyatt's Yoshi. Here to explore a world of curious creatures with you. Discovered a creature you haven't seen before. Why don't you get Yoshi to see what it tastes like? Hmm, soapy. No wonder this creature blows giant bubbles so big they can carry you. You can even jump from one bubble to another and reach new areas. There are plenty more surprises to discover too. Bowser Jr. What are you doing out here? You can jump into adventure with Yoshi and The Mysterious Book. May 21, only on Nintendo Switch 2. Game Rated E for everyone.

[A]

Attention all non mouth breathers. This is a code red. I repeat, this is a code red. So listen very carefully. What I'm about to say will turn your world upside down. I'm transmitting to you from Hawkins, Indiana to deliver this urgent message. Something survived in the winter of 85. So get ready for an all new animated adventure from the creators of Stranger Things. Bundle up and join 11 Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Max, and all your most beloved characters as they uncover new mysteries, new monsters, and their greatest adventure yet. You've seen them fight Demogorgon, you've seen them fight Vecna, but you've never seen anything like this. Return to Hawkins for a whole new dimension of the Stranger Things universe in this epic animated series. Friends don't lie, so believe the hype. Stranger things tales from 85 only on netflix. Over and out. Now back to Whosmarted. Okay, George, over the break, I checked and it seems I did not discover a new species. You're what's known as Rhinastus Lattice Turnus, nicknamed the Bigfoot Weevil. Bigfoot? Not that Bigfoot. Oh, and smarty pants, you're gonna want to Google Bigfoot Weevil after the show.

[B]

Okay, so you didn't discover my spirit species, but you discovered me. That's exciting.

[A]

True, but if I did discover a new species, I could choose a name for it.

[B]

I prefer George.

[A]

I could also publish a highly detailed description distinguishing my discovery from all other species. Oh, well, the good news is there are lots of species out there yet to be discovered.

[B]

Really? Yep.

[A]

Smarty pants, guess how many new species are discovered every year? Is it 18, 1800 or 18,000? The answer is approximately 18,000 new species are discovered every year.

[B]

Whoa. So how many species have already been discovered?

[A]

So far, there are an estimated 1.2 million species that we've classified and studied.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

But wait, there are believed to be about 8.7 million species in existence. Which means there are millions of species left to discover. Whoa.

[B]

But how? And where? How could there be that many things left to discover?

[A]

Smarty pants, do you know where are all these new species hiding? Call out some answers. Uh huh. I heard the ocean. Oh. Space. The woods. Your backyard.

[B]

Oh. The Amazon rainforest.

[A]

Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes to all of these. Earth is just teeming with biodiversity, or the variety of life. And that includes the highest mountains, deepest ocean regions, and places with the hottest and coldest temperatures that are too inhospitable for scientists to explore thoroughly.

[B]

So you're saying creatures can survive in places where humans can't?

[A]

Exactly. The conditions in these places are so difficult for humans, it limits the amount of time we can spend there, the amount of research we can conduct, and it costs more money just to be there.

[B]

No wonder so many species go undetected.

[A]

Smartypants, people have been studying the organisms around them for at least 35,000 years. In fact, cave paintings represent their early record keeping.

[B]

That's a long time.

[A]

And in that time, many enthusiastic scientists have made huge contributions, like naturalist Charles Darwin, who traveled the world keeping detailed records of all the life he encountered. He later published his landmark theory of evolution, the Origin of the Species. Searching, studying and recording, whether it's as close as your backyard or as far away as distant galaxies can lead you to discover new species.

[B]

Wow. I need to start looking around. Of course. I really don't want to leave my leaf. What are some of the new species that have been discovered?

[A]

I'm glad you asked, George. Between 2021 and 2022, a new biodiversity hotspot was discovered in the Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. There they discovered a new venomous snake, a tree frog that looks like it's covered in moss, a thick thumbed bat, a color changing lizard, and an orchid that looks like a Muppet. Smartypants, guess how many new species were classified in the Mekong region in just two years? Was it 5, 100, 380, or 600? If you said 380, you're right.

[B]

A new species could be small like me, or big like you.

[A]

Or bigger. Organisms come in all shapes, sizes, colors and patterns, not to mention small Genetic changes can take place over generations. Known species may evolve to create entirely new species, a process known as speciation. Cool. Well, George, even though you're not a new species, it is nice to make a new friend. I can't wait to show people back home your picture tags.

[B]

Oh, do you think we could take another one with the hat?

[A]

A big Call of the Wild shout out to AO in Forestville, Maryland. I hear you love whosmarted because you love learning new things, especially about slugs. We agree. Slugs and learning are pretty cool. Thanks for smarting with us, Ayo. This episode New Species was written by Libby Weevil Ward and voiced by Mike Privetti and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Hahn, who Smarted is recorded and mixed at the Relic Room Studios. Our associate producer is Max Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis, who's Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production. Hey, smarty pants. Trusty narrator here. Spring is here, and you know what that means on the farm. Baby chicks hatching inside their eggs. Calves moving into their tiny little houses. Flowers figuring out when it's time to wake up. And yes, that smell. You know the one. If you've ever wondered why any of that happens, I have got the show for you. The Super Smart Farm Show Podcast. But don't take it from me. Take it from my friend Elmer, who actually lives this stuff and hosts the show. This spring. On the Super Smart Farm show, we're hatching chicks, visiting baby calves. And yes, we are going to talk about why farms smell funny in the spring. And trust me, once you know the reason, you'll never look at your garden the same way again. See what I mean? That Super Smart Farm Show, a family podcast that answers every question you never knew you had about farms, animals and food. Playful, curious, and genuinely smart. From the Lancaster farming team, who've been covering agriculture since 1955. Find Super Smart Farm show wherever you get your podcasts or at lancasterfarming. Com.