history of environmental change, as well as discussing modern day environmental trends. Her latest novel, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History focuses on placing what she terms “The Anthropocene Extinction” in the context of life’s history. Through an analysis of the Big 5 extinctions as well as of more isolated extinctions, Kolbert communicates that the definition of extinctions has evolved with human understanding. In the past, renowned scientists have wavered between a catastrophist and uniformitarian
upheavals in the environment in the last few decades cannot escape anyone's notice. Widespread and increasing global pollution, natural disasters of unusual intensities in more and more places, new and deadlier diseases, disappearance of animal and plant species, and disturbing signs even in the skies are among these. Seven serious observers publish respective opinions on the nature of these threats and recommend solutions. From their pronouncement, a common thread can be gleaned. Survival of earthly life
have shown species are becoming extinct for different reasons. Some species endangered status are created by competition with other species, natural disasters, diseases and even human involvement. These endangered species should be preserved because of the effects it has on other animals, the significance of each animal on the ecosystem, and because of the role humans take on their endangerment. Some people might not know what an extinct species is or why it is important that a species disappears
in the midst of a sixth mass extinction of plants and animals” (Greenwald). I know what you are thinking. Does this include humans too? No, not yet at least. But, animal species from all over the world are struggling to survive in their own habitats. Why? Well, because of you, and by you, I mean the human race. Animal extinction is caused by humans because we cause climate change, poach endangered species, and we destroy habitats. What exactly is extinction? Extinction is the act of extinguishing
natural causes like extinctions, climate, and invasive species that change the way organisms live today. 440 million years ago the earth had its first mass extinction, this was during the Ordovician era. The ice caps started growing, taking the water with it. This killed 60 percent of all life. The second extinction took place 360 million years ago among the Devonian
world is filled with all kinds of mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. There are over one and a half million species already described and documented and believed that there are even more still undocumented today (“Fact Monster Science” 2014). As much as our amazing world offers us, we humans are taking away as well. It is believed that 99.9% of species are now extinct; many of those that occurred over the last 25,000 years can be attributed to humans (“Foundational Concepts”2014)
One of the greatest gifts on this earth is the many species of animals that roam our planet and the wildlife that inhabit our world. A vast and diverse spectrum of wildlife keeps our planet functioning properly and it gives humans something to wonder at. Sadly, our planet’s species of animals are disappearing due to human activity. Our human activity is causing the next mass extinction and we are turning a blind eye to it. The sixth extinction in our known history is happening and most of don’t
Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event Over 98% of all organisms that have lived on Earth are now extinct. A mass extinction event occurs when a large number of species die out within a small time frame (relative to the age of Earth). Mass extinctions are intensively studied for both cause and effect, as there is usually room for debate regarding catalysts that precede the extinction and the massive influx of new biological species that follows. There have been five major mass extinctions, dubbed the “Big
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment’s Summary for Decision-Makers brought to light the fact that the rate of species extinction, over time, has increased at an alarming rate. This is distressing because species extinction means loss of biodiversity: a measure of a healthy environment. There are five main drivers, that are interconnected, that influence biodiversity loss and species extinction. While all five are interconnected they are strongly related to one in particular. That driver is human population
("About") The Lange's Metalmark Butterfly, specifically located in Antioch Dunes, has been on the endangered species list since 1976 ("Top 10 U.S. Endangered Species Threatened by Human Population"). Without these butterflies, the diversity of wildlife species around the San Francisco Bay Area would cease to exist, and the refuge would become a cement plant (Smith). Currently, there are only about 150 Lange's Metalmark Butterflies living in the wild ("Lange's Metalmark Butterfly"). However, many