Extinctions are common in the history of life. Biologists are alarmed by the current wave of extinctions caused by human activity. Introduction: Human activities, like excessive land usage, pollution (soil pollution, air pollution, water pollution), deforestation, urbanization, and habitat destruction, all are potent causes of the extinction of many species.

Question

In the early nineteenth century, the French scientist Georges Cuvier provided conclusive evidence of the extinction of species on Earth. Although Cuvier correctly asserted that a series of catastrophes led to these extinctions, he could not provide a testable explanation of the source of the new animals and plants that appeared after the extinction of older forms. How would you argue that modern evolutionary theory provides an explanation for the proliferation of new forms of life after mass extinctions?

Answer 1

Question

Chapter 23, Problem 13TYK

Summary Introduction

To review:

Extinctions are common in the history of life. Biologists are alarmed by the current wave of extinctions caused by human activity.

Introduction:

Human activities, like excessive land usage, pollution (soil pollution, air pollution, water pollution), deforestation, urbanization, and habitat destruction, all are potent causes of the extinction of many species.

Expert Solution & Answer

Trending nowThis is a popular solution!

See solution

Check out sample textbook solution

Students have asked these similar questions

In the early nineteenth century, the French scientist Georges Cuvier provided conclusive evidence of the extinction of species on Earth. Although Cuvier correctly asserted that a series of catastrophes led to these extinctions, he could not provide a testable explanation of the source of the new animals and plants that appeared after the extinction of older forms. How would you argue that modern evolutionary theory provides an explanation for the proliferation of new forms of life after mass extinctions?

We have looked at what the fossil record can tell us about the amazing History of Life on Earth. We've examined the evidence for an early origin for life in the sea, 3800 million years, and investigated how life invaded life about 500 million years. We've also discussed the subsequent boom in life that massively increased biodiversity but also noted how the History of Life is frequently punctuated by mass extinctions. Today we stand on the threshold of a new mass extinction event. The biodiversity that we take for granted and that sustains humans is threatened to a degree only rarely seen in 4500 million years of Earth History. NOW TO CONCLUDE, ANSWER THE QUESTION. 1. ARE WE ON THE BRINK OF A MASS EXTINCTION? WHAT WOULD BE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR SOCIETY OF LOSING HALF OF ALL SPECIES BY 2100? ARE THERE ACTIONS THAT WE CAN TAKE AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS SOCIETY TO HELP PROTECT LIFE ON EARTH?

Because mass extinction is a natural process that may facilitate evolution during the period of thousands to millions of years that follow it, should humans be concerned about the current mass extinction we are causing? Why or why not?