Final answer:
Nematodes are the most numerous species on Earth due to their large habitat volume and adaptability to different environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nematodes are the most numerous species on Earth because they have a vast habitat volume compared to other organisms, such as fishes. The volume of nematodes' habitat is about 10 times the surface area of the Earth, while fishes' habitat volume is about 3700 times the surface area of the Earth. This large habitat volume allows for a high population density of nematodes.
In addition, nematodes have adapted to survive in a wide range of habitats, including soil, freshwater, marine environments, and even parasitic lifestyles. They are present in all habitats, including impoverished and more productive ones, with varying population densities.
Overall, the combination of their vast habitat volume and adaptability to different environments contributes to the high abundance of nematodes on Earth.