Biologists assess `sixth extinction': The Toronto Star

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ivan Seeking
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Extinction Star
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of the "sixth extinction," as articulated by John Arnason, a biology professor at the University of Ottawa. This phenomenon highlights the rapid loss of plant and animal species, which threatens the discovery of potential medicinal resources. Historical references to the topic include works by Richard Leakey (1995) and Niles Eldredge (2001), emphasizing the urgency of biologists collecting DNA samples from vanishing species. The conversation underscores the lack of funding for these critical conservation efforts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of biodiversity and extinction concepts
  • Familiarity with conservation biology
  • Knowledge of DNA sampling techniques
  • Awareness of historical literature on extinction, such as Leakey's and Eldredge's works
NEXT STEPS
  • Research current funding opportunities for biodiversity conservation projects
  • Explore advanced DNA sampling techniques in conservation biology
  • Study the historical context of extinction events and their implications
  • Investigate the role of biologists in preserving endangered species
USEFUL FOR

Biologists, conservationists, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in the implications of biodiversity loss and extinction events.

Ivan Seeking
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
8,252
Reaction score
2,664
The bad news is that the world's nearly countless plants — and the medicines they contain — are disappearing even more quickly than they can be located and studied. In most cases, we'll never even know that they existed or what lethal human diseases they might have cured.

Welcome to the "sixth extinction.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1066517109005&call_pageid=968332188774&col=968350116467
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Welcome to the "sixth extinction."

That's the chilling term used by John Arnason, a professor of biology at the University of Ottawa, to describe the steady decline of the planet's rich trove of biological species, both plants and animals.

Makes it sound like it's just Dr. Arnason's brainchild! More on the same topic...

Leakey wrote a whole book about it in 1995...
http://www.well.com/user/davidu/sixthextinction.html

Eldedge in 2001...
http://www.actionbioscience.org/newfrontiers/eldredge2.html

National Geographic in 1999...
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/9902/fngm/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
We can only hope that more biologists will get involved with collecting samples - DNA - from these quickly disappearing species. I doubt this effort is well funded though.
 

Similar threads

Dogs in Society: The Versatile and Intelligent Companions for Work and Play"
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
History Is American Terrorism Justified by Their History of Unethical Actions?
  • · Replies 70 ·
3
Replies
70
Views
8K
News The Jessica Lynch Story: Fact vs Fiction
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
8K
News The Roots of Terrorism and US Foreign Policy
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
6K