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A Sixth Great Extinction |
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As a result of the mass degradation and destruction of natural habitats by humans, the word as we know it is experiencing a sixth great extinction of animal species .This is the result of the most conservative estimates .It means that, this extinction is like the one that wiped out dinosaurs. This is due to the fact that the rate of extinction is equal to 100 times higher in the 20th century as compared to what it would have been without human impact. Studies conducted previously have warned that species could become extinct at incredible speeds as a result of the large impact that humans are taking land for farming, construction and timber. Dr. Cellabos and Paul R. Ehlrich authored a study that warned of the population bomb of humanity and its impact. Dr.Ceballos said that the study employed knowledge of natural or so-called background extinction rates. He said that it was conservative because the study had only looked at those species that are declared extinct. Due to strict rules, this can take many years after the species had actually gone extinct. Previous work assumed that one specie goes extinct per10, 000 per 100 years. However, the new study raises this to two species. Authors have found that the modern rates of extinction are 8 to 100 times higher .This means that instead of 9 vertebrates going extinct since 1900, 477 vertebrates have gone extinct. However there is some opposition to this. According to the team responsible for the analysis, rapid, greatly intensified efforts are needed to stop or retard the flow of extinctions of species on the planet. It is only when these efforts are put in place both at an international and local level everywhere that the diverse species that inhabit our planet can be properly allowed to live. |
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7 Comments
Thanks for the great information. It is really unfair that we have allowed many species to go extinct. It's about time we preserved our biodiversity and ensure that the generation unborn enjoys the privilege of watching the species we enjoy seeing today
Posted 04-08-2015 13:03
As per evidences , all previous extinctions were geological in nature and due to environmental causes. But ongoing mega extinction of species is undoubtedly due to anthropogenic factors. Research has shown that wherever on Earth humans have migrated, other species have gone extinct, and human population growth, most prominently in the past two centuries, is regarded as one of the underlying causes of this Holocene extinction / the Sixth Extinction. The rate of extinction is so alarming that we must wake up and mind our actions to save species and protect biodiversity and revive the balance in eco system.
Thanks for sharing , Aasha.
Posted 04-08-2015 05:32
It is alarming fact that the the extinction rate is 100 times greater than 20th century. I completely agree that local and global actions should go hand in hand to conserve biodiversity.
Thank you for this informative report dear Aasha :)
Posted 03-08-2015 13:08
Impressive numbers! That is sad. Thanks for sharing the report Aasha!! Keep going!! =)
Posted 03-08-2015 09:47
I am shocked to read that the number of species going extinct have risen to such a huge number.Yes surely intensified efforts will be the key to preservation of flora and fauna.And along with proper efforts we also need to stop activities that cause such degradation.
Posted 03-08-2015 01:46
Welcome Rahul , yes, unless action is taken , we will continue to see negative repercussions.
Posted 03-08-2015 00:46
The picture is quite scary. Read about this on the newspapers as well. Thank you so much Aasha for depicting it clearly.
Posted 03-08-2015 00:41