· ·

Sixth mass extinction ‘that will eradicate 75% of life on Earth is drawing closer’

sixth-mass-extinction-that-will-eradicate-75-of-life-on-earth-is-drawing-closer

Earth may be on the brink of a sixth mass extinction on the scale of the apocalyptic event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

The researchers say that unless action is taken now to reverse the harmful effects of human activity on eco-systems, a full-blown mass extinction could occur within a few centuries. Recovery from such an event, which could eradicate more than three-quarters of all life on Earth, may then take millions of years. Only five previous mass extinctions have occurred in the last 540million years. They are classified as the Ordovician event (443million years ago); the Devonian event (359million years ago); the Permian event (251million years ago); the Triassic event (200million years ago) and the Cretaceous event (65million years ago). The last mass extinction, thought to have been triggered by a meteor impact in Mexico, was marked by the loss of 76 per cent of species including the dinosaurs.

A new study of mammal populations raises the alarming prospect of a sixth mass extinction, this one a direct result of the effect humans are having on the planet. Scientists in the U.S. compared extinction rates from the fossil record with the speed at which mammals are vanishing today. Within the past 500 years, it is estimated that at least 80 species of mammals have become extinct out of a starting total of 5,570 species. This compares with an average extinction rate for mammals of less than two species disappearing every million years. The findings are published in the journal Nature.

‘It looks like modern extinction rates resemble mass extinction rates, even after setting a high bar on defining mass extinction,’ said lead researcher Professor Anthony Barnosky, from the University of California at Berkeley. He added: ‘If currently threatened species – those officially classed as critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable – actually went extinct, and that rate of extinction continued, the sixth mass extinction could arrive within as little as three to 22 centuries.’ Scientists believe humans are causing the sixth mass extinction by fragmenting habitats, introducing non-native species, spreading diseases, killing species, and changing the climate. But Professor Barnosky said it was not too late to prevent the loss of species reach an extinction ‘tipping point’.

‘So far, only 1 percent to 2 percent of all species have gone extinct in the groups we can look at clearly, so by those numbers, it looks like we are not far down the road to extinction. We still have a lot of Earth’s biota to save. It’s very important to devote resources and legislation toward species conservation if we don’t want to be the species whose activity caused a mass extinction.’ – Professor Barnosky

‘The modern global mass extinction is a largely unaddressed hazard of climate change and human activities. Its continued progression, as this paper shows, could result in unforeseen – and irreversible – negative consequences to the environment and to humanity.’
Richard Lane, programme director at the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Division of Earth Sciences, which funded the study

Recommended readings:
Has the Earth’s sixth mass extinction already arrived? @ Nature Journal
Quarter of mammals ‘face extinction’ @ BBC
Scientists agree world faces mass extinction @ CNN
The Earth’s 6th Great Mass Extinction is Occurring as You Read This @Daily Galaxy

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

One Comment

Leave a Reply to Gods, dogs, rats and syphillis. Are we truly a divine creation or just a species omnibus? | Guy Deakins in the Garden Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *