Loss of Species Due to the Biodiversity Crisis - 1040 Words

The seriousness of the current ‘biodiversity crisis’ and the increasingly loss of species diversity have aroused the boldness in conservationists to propose not so conservative solutions. Such as an attempt to restore in our present environment the wildlife diversity lost in the Pleistocene period. This proposal is incited by Donlan et al. (2006) that â€Å"call for restoration of missing ecological functions and evolutionary potential of lost North American megafauna using extant conspecifics and related taxa†. This essay will discuss the possible positive effects brought by the Pleistocene rewilding and its major impediments. And it is perceptible that the obstacles in translocating species similar to those that have been extinct for millennia in North America are so many, and its plausibility so controversial, that this adventurous proposal requires a lot of reflection and scientific labor before being considered a reasonable solution. In the Americas, many mammals and their commensals were lost in the end of the Pleistocene epoch, about 13,000 years ago (Martin 2005) and with them, many ecosystem processes and services were lost. The Pleistocene rewilding intends to bring back the biodiversity that vanished 13,000 years ago, reinstituting ecological and evolutionary processes that were transformed or eliminated by megafaunal extinctions (Donlan et al. 2006). Pleistocene rewilders also advocate this conservation strategy based on aesthetic and ethical grounds; they argue thatShow MoreRelated Evolution of Thought Essay1086 Words   |  5 Pageselaborately constructed forms, so different from each other, and dependent upon each other in so complex a manner, have all been produced by laws acting around us. –Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species I knew very little about and did not have much interest in evolution, systematics and biodiversity prior to the first week of this class. The knowledge I had about these topics came from introductory courses and what I was being told by my family. I soon discovered that I had a lot to learnRead MoreHuman Manipulation And Its Effects On The Health Of Our Oceans1056 Words   |  5 Pagescannot argue that over the past few centuries estuarine and coastal transformation has accelerated due to human manipulation. Waterfront development destroys miles of coastal, intertidal habitats and ecosystems. Think of some of the most population dense coastal cities around the world; Jakarta, Seoul, Shanghai, Manila, New York, Tokyo, Karachi, Sao Paulo and many more. Each playing a part in biodiversity loss and ocean pollution. To further the damage, as a source of food, marine fish are over harvestedRead MoreBiodiversity Loss And Loss Of Habitat Loss2482 Words   |  10 PagesBiodive rsity Loss Did you know that in thirty-two years the ocean is expected to be completely empty? In 2048 the whole ecosystem will be wiped out with no sign of life. This is incredibly alarming; the ocean is a huge resource for the world. Biodiversity is key to the survival of the ocean, however over the last few years the ocean has experienced an accelerating loss of species. Biodiversity is essential to the ecosystem, diversity of species enhance ecosystem productivity and stability. MarineRead MoreThe Ecologist s Guide On Habitat Loss2336 Words   |  10 PagesGuide to Habitat Loss Over the course of the past few centuries, the Earth as a whole has felt anthropogenic effects due to increased human presence and impacts such as habitat loss. Habitat loss is the process of damage and eventual destruction in some cases of ecosystems on a local and global scale which result in them not being able to systematically support the species present due to displacement or destruction which successively reduces biodiversity of endemic species. Habitat loss and fragmentationRead More Earth Faces a Sixth Mass Extinction Essay1239 Words   |  5 Pagespresent, are harming many species of organisms and we may even be causing our own demise. The ongoing studies in Great Britain covered the biodiversity (that is the amount of species of an organism within a given area) and the amount of land the plants, birds, and butterflies each occupied. It covered 1254 species of plants studied from 1954 to 1960 and again from 1987 to 1999, 201 bird species studied between 1968 and 1971 and again from 1988 to 1989, and 58 butterfly species studied between 1970Read MoreDeforestation1213 Words   |  5 PagesWatersheds that once supplied communities with their drinking water and farms with irrigation water have become subject to extreme fluctuations in water flow. The loss of safe, potable water puts communities health at risk for a variety of communicable diseases. In economic terms, the tropical forests destroyed each year represent a loss in forest capital valued at $US 45 billion (Hansen, 1997). By destroying the forests, all potential future revenues and future employment that could be derivedRead MoreReducing Deforestation And The Loss Of Biodiversity1324 Words   |  6 Pagesare given targets that are too general. However, many targets can still be measured accurately and examples of this include Targets 15.2 and 15.5 that aim to halt deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. This can be measured through extensive documentation of a forest’s area or by analyzing the amount of biodiversity within it. The studies are done usually by both countries, such as Canada, and by wildlife groups such as WWF (Effects of Deforestation, Fitzsimmons) (Deforestation, Bradford). ThisRead MoreThe Land Ethic By Aldo Leopold Essay1620 Words   |  7 PagesQuestion 1 â€Å"The Land Ethic† written by Aldo Leopold was critiqued by J. Baird Callicott. â€Å"The Land Ethic† in short explained the idea that humans are not superior to animals or species on earth, but humans should live on earth as simple members. (Leopold, 2013) Callicott found three things that lead to the confusion, contempt, and contempt of Leopold’s writings. The first thing that Callicott discussed in reference to the neglect of Leopold’s writings was the fact that they could actually be doneRead MoreBiodiversity Is Essential For The Ecosystem2291 Words   |  10 Pagesthe world. Biodiversity is key to the survival of the ocean, however over the last few years the ocean has experienced an accelerating loss of species. Biodiversity is essential for the ecosystem, diversity of species enhance ecosystem productivity and stability. Marine ecosystems are a primary resource for increasing population it provides vital food resources and services. The most unique feature on earth is diversity over 1 million species live in our oceans Changes in biodiversity are directlyRead MoreThe Human Perceptions Of Biological Systems964 Words   |  4 PagesThe ocean in its vast mystique contains millions of species and covers most of our planet. Unfortunately, many people do not truly grasp the gravity of the depletion of biodiversity that has occ urred over the years. This is due to shifting baseline syndrome and its prevalence in today’s society. What is shifting baseline syndrome, how does the exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History teach visitors the concept of â€Å"shifting baselines† and â€Å"shifting baseline syndrome† as it relates to conservation