The Couch Candy Protocol

The video uses a playful analogy of finding candies in couch cushions to explain how scientists estimate the number of undiscovered species on Earth. By observing how often new types of candies are found, one can estimate the number of unseen types. This method, called the Couch Candy protocol, was applied by researchers to estimate that there are about 9,200 undiscovered tree species. Despite centuries of cataloging, a significant portion of Earth's biodiversity remains unknown, especially in unexplored tropical regions. The video highlights the vastness of undiscovered life and the limitations of our current knowledge.

What is the main idea behind estimating unknown quantities using the candy example?

• Counting all candies found in the couch

• Assuming all candies are the same

• Estimating based on the frequency of new types found

• Ignoring candies found more than once

How can you estimate the number of undiscovered candy types?

• By ignoring candies seen more than twice

• By using the number of candies seen once and twice

• By counting the total candies found

• By assuming all candies are found

What real-world application was discussed using the candy estimation method?

• Calculating the number of stars in the sky

• Counting the number of candies in a store

• Determining the number of fish in the ocean

• Estimating the number of undiscovered tree species

How many tree species have researchers estimated to be undiscovered?

• About 64,000

• About 9,200

• About 44 million

• About 100,000

What does the 'Couch Candy protocol' suggest about our knowledge of biodiversity?

• There are still many species left to discover

• We have a complete understanding of biodiversity

• We know everything about tropical areas

• We have discovered all species