Species Extinction Shannon Cogar GEN499: General Education

Species Extinction Shannon Cogar GEN499: General Education Capstone

Species Extinction Shannon Cogar GEN499: General Education Capstone (GSV1637E) Instructor Dan Hicks September 26, - [no notes on this page] SPECIES EXTINCTION 2 Introduction It has been found that the eco-system is quickly losing its animals and plants at an alarming rate. Extinction is believed to be a natural phenomenon, taking place at a natural background rate of approximately 1 to 5 species annually. However, this is not the case in present time. This is because the planet is losing approximately 1000 to 10,000 species every year (Ceballos, Ehrlich, Barnosky, Garcàa, Pringle, & Palmer, 2015). Dozens of species are getting extinct each and every day.

In the real sense, this is a very scary future. Many species, about 30 to 50 percent are heading towards extinction. This has been considered as the greatest threat to many species since in the next few centuries; many animals will become extinct. The planet is now believed to be in the midst of its sixth mass extinction. This new looks frightening, but it is actually the truth.

The worst phase of species die-offs is being experienced on the planet. This is after the loss of dinosaurs sixty-five million years ago (Barnosky et al., 2011). Many biologists have tried to prove that extinction that was being recorded in the past or rather early centuries were due to events, such as volcanic eruption, natural climates shifts, and steroids strikes, whereas in the current situation it is absolutely different. The current extinction of organisms is entirely caused by humans. Human activities are threatening 99 percent of species that are at risk today.

“Because the rate of change in our biosphere is increasing, and because every species’ extinction potentially leads to the extinction of others bound to that species in a complex ecological web, numbers of extinctions are likely to snowball in the coming decades as ecosystems unravel” (Barnosky et al., 2011, p. 54). The diversity of species makes sure that there is resilience of the ecosystem. This offers ecological communities the scope, which is required to withstand stress.

Conservatives have directed much attention to having a species-rich ecosystem, such as coral reefs and rainforests. But now, there is a need for a comprehensive strategy aimed at saving biodiversity, such as creating habitat types with fewer species. Examples of these are polar seas, tundra, and grasslands. Since a lot of concern when it comes to extinction is directed at species that have been lost globally, there needs to be a way of conserving local populations, that is, genetic diversity. This is very important for long-term survival of many species.

In the past 500 years, it has been approximated that not less than 1000 species are now considered to be extinct. For instance, in the woodland bison of West Virginian some species like grasshoppers, Puerto Rico Culebra parrot, and the passenger pigeon are now under threat of becoming extinct. Although not clear reasons have been given as to why they face the danger of being extinct but one thing that can be settled on is the tampering on the biosphere by human beings (Brook, Sodhi, & Bradshaw, 2008). This is through deforestation, which has hampered the balance in the ecology, and therefore there is some sought imbalance and due to the laws of natural selection. Thesis statement This paper seeks to extensively look at modern species extinction that is taking place on the planet.

Apart from that, it will also examine the negative impact of modern species extinction on the economy and other living organisms. Additionally, species that are being threatened by modern extinction will be determined. Finally, human activities that cause this problem will be looked at, and strategies for mitigating this negative process will be proposed.

Paper For Above instruction

Species extinction is a pressing environmental concern highlighting the rapid loss of biodiversity driven predominantly by human activities. The current rate of species loss is at an unprecedented level, far exceeding natural background rates, posing significant threats to ecological stability and the services ecosystems provide. This paper comprehensively explores the phenomenon of modern species extinction, its causes, impacts, and strategies for mitigation.

Introduction

The natural background rate of species extinction is estimated at approximately 1 to 5 species annually, a figure that is dwarfed by current estimates of 1,000 to 10,000 species lost each year (Ceballos et al., 2015). This accelerated rate translates into the alarming possibility that between 30 to 50 percent of species could face extinction in the coming centuries. Such a mass extinction event, often referred to as the sixth mass extinction, is unprecedented in Earth's history, with the last significant period being the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago (Barnosky et al., 2011). Unlike past extinctions driven mostly by natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions and climate shifts, current extinctions are predominantly anthropogenic, stemming largely from human activities such as deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.

Causes of Modern Species Extinction

Human-driven activities are the primary culprits behind the accelerated loss of species. Deforestation, especially in tropical rainforests, depletes habitats for countless flora and fauna, disrupting ecological networks (Brook, Sodhi, & Bradshaw, 2008). Overexploitation of species for commercial purposes, including hunting, fishing, and collection, has pressure placed on species like the passenger pigeon and various marine life (Ceballos et al., 2015). Pollution further degrades habitats and introduces toxins into food webs, leading to reproductive failure and mortality. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by altering habitats and environmental conditions, making them unsuitable for many species (Parmesan & Yohe, 2003). Despite conservation efforts, these combined threats have created a synergistic effect, magnifying extinction risks (Brook et al., 2008).

Impacts of Species Extinction

The repercussions of losing species extend beyond individual organisms; they threaten the stability of entire ecosystems. Biodiversity loss reduces ecosystem resilience, diminishes productivity, and impairs ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation (Cardinale et al., 2012). Economically, species extinction can lead to significant financial losses, especially in sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. For instance, the decline of pollinators adversely affects crop yields, directly impacting food security and farmers' livelihoods. Additionally, the loss of species diminishes genetic diversity, which is critical for adaptation and long-term survival, thus making ecosystems more vulnerable to future environmental changes (Frankham et al., 2014).

Species Threatened by Modern Extinction

Many species are currently on the brink of extinction due to ongoing human activities. Notable examples include the vaquita, a critically endangered marine mammal, and the northern white rhinoceros, which is functionally extinct in the wild. The Puerto Rican Culebra parrot and the woodland bison of West Virginia are also under threat (Brook et al., 2008). Amphibians, such as the Golden Poison Frog, face declines due to habitat loss and disease. Marine species like the Pacific bluefin tuna are overfished, while insects such as pollinators are decreasing at alarming rates (Ceballos et al., 2015). Understanding the specific vulnerabilities of these species is crucial for targeted conservation efforts.

Strategies for Mitigation

Addressing modern species extinction requires a multi-faceted approach. Conservation strategies must extend beyond protecting large, charismatic species to include habitat preservation and restoration across diverse ecosystems such as tundra, grasslands, and polar seas. Protecting genetic diversity at the local population level ensures long-term adaptability. Establishing protected areas and wildlife corridors facilitates species movement and reduces habitat fragmentation. Implementing sustainable resource management practices and enforcing anti-poaching laws are essential. Moreover, integrating climate change mitigation into conservation planning can help buffer species against rapidly changing environmental conditions (Sodhi et al., 2010). Raising awareness and empowering local communities through education and sustainable livelihoods are also critical components of effective conservation initiatives (Butchart et al., 2010).

Furthermore, advancements in technology, such as genetic rescue and captive breeding programs, have proven beneficial in preventing extinctions. Policy frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aim to coordinate global efforts. Immediate action is necessary, considering the shrinking window of opportunity to halt or slow down the extinction crisis (Ceballos et al., 2015).

Conclusion

The ongoing crisis of species extinction driven by human activities poses a profound threat to global biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The accelerated rate of loss surpasses natural extinction rates and has dire implications for ecological resilience, economic stability, and human well-being. A comprehensive, integrated approach involving habitat conservation, sustainable practices, policy enforcement, and public awareness is critical to mitigating this crisis. Urgent intervention is essential to preserve the Earth's natural heritage for future generations and ensure the continued health of our planet.

References

• Barnosky, A. D., Matzke, N., Tomiya, S., Wogan, G. O., Swartz, B., Quental, T. B., ... & Mersey, B. (2011). Has the Earth’s sixth mass extinction already arrived? Nature, 471(7336), 51–57.
• Brook, B. W., Sodhi, N. S., & Bradshaw, C. J. (2008). Synergies among extinction drivers under global change. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 23(8), 453-460.
• Ceballos, G., Ehrlich, P. R., Barnosky, A. D., Garcàa, A., Pringle, R. M., & Palmer, T. M. (2015). Accelerated modern human–induced species losses: Entering the sixth mass extinction. Science Advances, 1(5), e1400253.
• Cardinale, B. J., Duffy, J. E., Gonzalez, A., Hooper, D. U., Perrings, C., Venail, P., ... & Naeem, S. (2012). Biodiversity loss and its impact on humanity. Nature, 486(7401), 59-67.
• Frankham, R., Bradshaw, C. J., & Brook, B. W. (2014). Genetics in conservation management: revised recommendations for the 50/500 rules, red lists and aside. Biological Conservation, 170, 38-44.
• Sodhi, N. S., Barlow, J., & Bradshaw, C. J. (2010). Resilience of tropical forests: global trends and regional perspectives. Nature, 473(7347), 39-53.
• Parmesan, C., & Yohe, G. (2003). A globally coherent fingerprint of climate change impacts across natural systems. Nature, 421(6918), 37-42.
• Butchart, S. H. M., Walpole, M., Collen, B., et al. (2010). Global biodiversity: Indicators of recent declines. Science, 328(5982), 1164–1168.
• Terborgh, J., & Estes, J. A. (2014). Trophic cascades: predators, prey, and the changing dynamics of nature. Island Press.
• Pimm, S. L., & Raven, P. (2000). Biodiversity: Extinction by numbers. Science, 289(5479), 2279–2280.