A recent study warns of a sixth mass extinction, blaming the disappearance of entire branches of the "Tree of Life" on human activity. Unlike prior research that concentrated on individual species, this study dives into the extinction of entire genera. The extinction catastrophe has been compared to the gravity of climate change, underlining its unappreciated severity.
According to the study, 73 genera out of 5,400 have gone extinct in the previous 500 years, particularly in the last two centuries. This stands in stark contrast to the projected rate based on the fossil record. The extinction of one genus can have a domino effect on ecosystems.
What are the main human activities that are causing genera to disappear?
These extinctions are being caused by habitat destruction, overfishing, hunting, and other factors; they may have an impact on entire ecosystems.
What can be learned about the current rate of extinction from the study's comparison with the fossil record?
The study demonstrates that the rate of extinction is significantly higher than predicted based on historical data, raising concerns about the accelerated loss of biodiversity.
How are ecosystems impacted by the extinction of a single genus?
Because each species has a specific function within an ecosystem, the removal of a genus can cause havoc with the system. This analogy emphasizes how fragile ecosystems are when important parts are gone.
What defines a mass extinction?
Species lose 75% of their population in a short amount of time during mass extinctions. Although it hasn't actually begun, experts caution that the current trend may result in a possible sixth mass extinction.
What steps should be taken to address the extinction crisis?
To save genera and maintain biodiversity, halting habitat destruction and restoring lost habitats are top priorities, with a focus on urgency given the current rate of extinction.
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