Wikipedia tells us that the best recent estimates for the number of eukaryotic s

Question

Wikipedia tells us that the best recent estimates for the number of eukaryotic species on Earth, including both aquatic and terrestrial species, is somewhere between 5 and 9 million ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_biodiversity ). Only 1.5 to 1.9 million species have so far been catalogued. Because of continuous habitat “appropriation” by humans, and the effects of climate change, it has been estimated that we lose one species every 20 minutes. If that is correct, when will the Earth have lost 50% of all species. State clearly when you decide to start your clock... human-induced species loss has already been under way for some time.

Explanation / Answer

Considering that number of eukaryotic species on earth is 7 million (mean of 5 and 9 million). 1.7 million species has been catalogued 9mean of 1.5 and .9 million).

Remaining number of species to be catalogued= 7-1.7=5.3 million

1 species lost in 20 minutes or 1/3 hours

For 50 % of species to be lost= 3.5 million

time required 3.5*0.33=1.155 million hours.

Considering human induced species lost has led to 10 % reduction , then time required will be 0.4*7*0.33 million=0.924 million hours for 40 % death of species.

Thus one needs to be prompt enough to catalogue most of the species in a limited time i.e remaining 5.3 million species would never be completely catalogued. Even if we are able to catalogue more than half of this remaining species, would be considered a big achiievement as those statistics can be utilised for reduction and conservation of many species. The question is answered based on several assumptions.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse W
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.