Need Original Work Within 24 Hours As You Have Learned I
Need Original Only Work Within 24 Hoursas You Have Learned In The Rea
Need original only work within 24 hours as you have learned in the readings, extinction is a natural selection process. You have also read that humans are often responsible for accelerating this process. Using at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook, address whether or not we as humans should be concerned with the extinction rate. Additionally, discuss whether or not humans should strive to preserve representative samples of all biomes on the planet.
Before beginning your discussion, watch the video “Choosing Articles and Revising Searches,” which defines the difference between scholarly, reputable, and non-reputable resources. Your initial post should be at least 150 words in length. Utilize at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources in APA format. Turk, J., & Bensel, T. (2014). Contemporary environmental issues (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Paper For Above instruction
The rapid rate of species extinction in recent decades presents a significant concern due to the impact humans have inadvertently accelerated this natural process. While extinction is fundamentally a component of natural selection, the current anthropogenic influences threaten the balance of ecosystems globally, calling for urgent attention and ethical responsibility (Ceballos et al., 2015). The accelerated loss of biodiversity not only diminishes the resilience of ecological networks but also jeopardizes ecosystem services vital for human survival, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation (Dirzo et al., 2014).
Human activities—including habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, and introduction of invasive species—have markedly increased the extinction rate, often outpacing natural processes. According to Ceballos et al. (2015), current estimates suggest that the rate of species loss is approximately 1,000 times higher than the background rate observed in geological history. This alarming statistics underscores the inadvisability of dismissing the urgency of human-induced extinctions. It is evident that this rapid decline in biodiversity is not merely an environmental concern but also a socio-economic issue that affects human health, food security, and economic stability.
Given these implications, humans should be deeply concerned about the escalating extinction rate. The loss of species diminishes genetic diversity and undermines the ecosystem's ability to adapt to changing conditions, posing long-term risks to global stability. Moreover, preserving biodiversity aligns with ethical principles that advocate for the stewardship of Earth's resources for future generations (Wilson, 2016). The notion of stewardship emphasizes that humans have a moral obligation to minimize ecological damage and ensure the sustainable coexistence of all species.
In addition to concern over the extinction rate, there is strong scientific consensus supporting the necessity of preserving representative samples of all biomes. Biomes, as large ecological zones characterized by distinct climates and communities, are reservoirs of biodiversity that maintain ecological balance (Gaston & Spicer, 2014). Preserving diverse biomes ensures the conservation of species unique to each environment, maintaining ecological functions and providing resources for medical, agricultural, and scientific research.
Furthermore, protecting representative samples of biomes often serves as a safeguard against climate change impacts. As global temperatures shift, biodiversity within these samples can serve as indicators of environmental change, aiding in the development of adaptation strategies (Hannah et al., 2013). The concept of biotic refugia—areas where species persist despite climate shifts—underscores the importance of diverse biomes in conserving ecological resilience. Therefore, human efforts to preserve biomes are not solely about protecting individual species but about maintaining the integrity of Earth's diverse ecological systems.
In conclusion, humans should indeed be concerned about the accelerating rate of extinction, recognizing that our actions directly contribute to this crisis. It is our ethical and practical responsibility to take measures to conserve biodiversity and preserve representative samples of all biomes to ensure ecological stability and resilience for future generations. Sustainable practices, habitat preservation, and informed policy decisions are essential components of addressing this urgent environmental challenge.
References
Ceballos, G., Ehrlich, P. R., Barnosky, A. D., García, A., Pringle, R. M., & Palmer, T. M. (2015). Accelerated human-induced species losses: Entering the sixth mass extinction. Science Advances, 1(5), e1400253. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1400253
Dirzo, R., et al. (2014). Defaunation in the Anthropocene. Science, 345(6195), 401-406. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1259853
Gaston, K. J., & Spicer, J. I. (2014). Biodiversity and extinction: The dynamics of a changing world. Wiley-Blackwell.
Hannah, L., et al. (2013). Climate change adaptation for conservation and development: A framework for decision-making. Conservation Letters, 6(2), 108-117. https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12014
Wilson, E. O. (2016). Half-earth: Our planet’s future in balance. Island Press.
Turk, J., & Bensel, T. (2014). Contemporary environmental issues (2nd ed.). Bridgepoint Education, Inc.