Extinction Rates Have Slowed Across Many Plant and Animal Groups
A new study led by scientists at the University of Arizona has found that extinction rates in plants, arthropods, and land vertebrates have declined since peaking around 100 years ago.
Previous studies had suggested that the planet is currently experiencing a mass extinction, with rapidly accelerating extinction rates. However, the new research reveals a more positive perspective, with extinction rates slowing down over time.
‘We show that extinction rates are not getting faster towards the present, as many people claim, but instead peaked many decades ago,’ said Wiens.
The study also found that 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 down.
- Extinction rates peaked around 100 years ago
- Decline in extinction rates observed in plants, arthropods, and land vertebrates
- Past extinctions mostly caused by invasive species on islands
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