In this writing assignment, the student will apply the information they learned
ID: 49695 • Letter: I
Question
In this writing assignment, the student will apply the information they learned on the destruction of ecosystems and relate it to the idea of extinction. The student will not only explore ways in which humans are destroying ecosystems but also how this may lead to the permanent loss of biodiversity on Earth.
Instructions
Read and listen to the following:
“The Sixth Great Extinction: A Silent Extermination”. - National Geographic.
“In the World’s ‘Sixth Extinction’, Are Humans the Asteroid?”. NPR Media Player: Interview with Elizabeth Kolbert
Write a short essay discussing how the destruction of ecosystems are related to the sixth mass extinction discussed in the article and NPR media player. Be sure to include specific examples in your answer. Provide at least two academic references to support your answer.
Explanation / Answer
Our planet is currently experiencing the sixth wave of extinctions with in the past half-billion years. Natural extinction occurs at a rate of about one to five species per year.nearly 99% of threatened species at present are at risk due to human activities which is mainly due to habitat loss, introduction of exotic species, and global warming. In the last 500 years, approximately 1,000 species have become extinct. such as the woodland bison of West Virginia and Merriam’s elk of Arizona.nearly 3% of world's total species are under threat which include plants, amphibians, birs, mammals, reptiles, fishes and invertebrtates. Species biodiversity ensures the resilience of ecosystem by providing the ecological communities the scope to withstand stress.
1. Endangered Species. 2009. In Encyclopædia Britannica. Available in Encyclopedia Britannica Online athttp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/186738/endangered-species.
2.Wildlife crisis worse than economic crisis. 2009. Press release. http://www.iucn.org/?3460/Wildlife-crisis-worse-than-economic-crisis--IUCN.
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.