Question

Scientists argue that we are now in the 6th major extinction period, yet very few global extinctions have been documented in the past few hundred years. Explain a) two reasons for this apparent contradiction (2 points), and b) why this might not be a contradiction (2 points).

Answer 1

a) The 6th major extinction period refers to the holocene epoch that began 11,700 years ago, not just few hundred years ago. Holocene began upon the growth of Human beings and many of the extinctions are undocumented. When taking all of the 11,700 years into account, the current rate of extinction of species will be 100 - 1000 times lower without the effect of human expoitation. The holocene began with the extinction of megafauna, such as mammoths and other large animals due to the growth of a new predation human species. The Holocene extinction still continues due to Human overpopulation and overconsumption of resources. Human induced climate change is also considered to be a factor of extinction because many species will not be able to adapt to the rapidly changing environment.

b) This might not be a contradiction because, in the past few hundred years, there were no mass extinction of species due to natural disasters and some species are being saved from extinction by human intervention due to awareness of the ill affects among the human population.