Extinction Rates Have Slowed Across Many Plant and Animal Groups
A new study reveals that extinction rates in plants, arthropods, and land vertebrates have declined since peaking around 100 years ago.
Previous studies suggested that the planet is currently experiencing a mass extinction, with rapidly accelerating extinction rates. However, the new research led by the University of Arizona presents a more positive perspective.
We show that extinction rates are not getting faster towards the present, as many people claim, but instead peaked many decades ago.
According to the study, past extinctions were mostly caused by invasive species on islands, rather than the destruction of natural habitats, which is today's most significant threat to wildlife.
Author's summary: Extinction rates have slowed in many species groups.
- Extinction rates peaked around 100 years ago
- Past extinctions were mostly caused by invasive species on islands
- Current threat to wildlife is the destruction of natural habitats