Human Impact: The Next Mass Extinction?

The earth has experienced five mass extinctions, which is an extinction where a considerable amount of the world’s population was wiped out. Some people believe that humans are going to be the cause of the next mass extinction. Because of unclear counting methods, and unrecorded species humans are being put in the spotlight for the main cause of extinctions. However, the Anthropocene, a period dominated by humans, could be a benefit to biological diversity by using hybridization, re-wilding species, and pushing more towards an aggressive conservation to relocate species and fill the gap in extinction rates.

The increase in extinction rates is documented in many different ways, Pearce (2015) gives insight on how the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, U.N Convention on Biological Diversity, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and various other scientists and institutes have contributed methods of counting and graphing extinction rates to the world. However, because of hazy calculations, these numbers are not precise (para. 1-3). Pearce (2015) gives further evidence to these bizarre counting methods

when he states how species such as the Guadalupe fur seal, which was once believed extinct, is now multiplying with numbers reaching over 20,000 (para. 4). He also argues that because of these missed calculations “nobody knows whether such estimates are anywhere close to reality” (para. 3).
More evidence is given to these miscalculated extinction rates when Pearce (2015) states, “…documented losses may be only the tip of the iceberg”. Because of this, not every species has been recorded, and there is a margin of error for the species humans have yet to discover. When this is added to the IUCN’s criteria for declaring species extinct, which requires specific research, it can easily be seen how many numbers are being overlooked (para. 6). Furthermore Pearce (2015) states, “there is no agreement on the number of species…” that exist in today's world (para. 22).
Thomas (2013) explains how scientists are working to introduce species by hybridization. He further mentions that the “Evolutionary origination is also accelerating” (para. 4). This can be seen in the many species that are adapting to changes in their habitats, Thomas (2013) gives facts that support this idea when he mentions that 88 plant hybrids have been traced throughout the British Isles, along with 26 hybrids being discovered by joining 2 or more brought-in species (para. 5). Thomas also gives evidence how the introduction of Centaurea plants to California from Spain is proving hybridization is a good move forward, as the plants are thriving in their new habitat (para. 4).
Thomas (2013) introduces the idea that hybridization “seems to have increased the global species list” (para. 8). It is further pointed out that the increased rate of hybridization appears to match the extinction rate. If this information holds true an increased rate of 20% could be seen in the next 15,000 years for plant species population (para. 8)! Thomas holds true to his belief when he states that “not all change is bad” (para. 1)
Despite popular belief that species cannot change to fit rapidly evolving environments Pearce (2015) brings up the idea that species are proving to be more adaptable than expected (para.

18). He gives proof to this statement in the fact that Salvador has lost 90% of flora but only 3 of its 508 species of birds (para. 19). Thomas (2013) gives further support when he mentions that Britain has gained 1,875 non-native species without losing any of its native breeds (para. 2). Both of these instances shine light on the fact that native and non-native breeds can prosper alongside one another, as well as being able to cope with quick climate changes. Thomas (2013) states how species are reacting to climate changes by moving beyond their perceived abilities. This demonstrates how animals and nature are able to adapt to the changes in the world (para.

1).
Biello (2014) presents a new idea to help fill the gap in extinction rates, “…re-wilding: reintroducing species…that were once present but have since disappeared” (para. 8). He brings light to the idea of taking closely related breeds over to degraded ecosystems, such as tortoises, that will help restore the deteriorating nature (para. 9). It is further suggested that humans may have to take a stronger step in aggressive conservation such as killing off new species to make room for native breeds (para. 8). This would allow for the native species to prosper without the fear of being hunted by non-native species.
The Anthropocene age does exist. Humans are living on the earth and causing destruction to native and non-native species. However, there is proof that new species are coming to light and old ones are adapting despite the climate changes caused by the rapid growth of the human race. Despite numerous scattered ways of counting extinction rates, humans are making progress in the Anthropocene age. This can be seen in the practices of hybridization, re-wilding, and aggressive conservation, because of these new practices we can decrease the rate of extinction and help fill the gap that extinction has caused.