Extinction Rates Have Slowed Across Many Plant and Animal Groups
A new study reveals that extinction rates in plants, arthropods, and land vertebrates have peaked around 100 years ago and have declined since then.
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that past extinctions were mostly caused by invasive species on islands, rather than by today's most significant threat to wildlife — the destruction of natural habitats.
‘We show that extinction rates are not getting faster towards the present, as many people claim, but instead peaked many decades ago,’ said Wiens.
- Extinction rates have slowed across many plant and animal groups.
- Past extinctions were mostly caused by invasive species on islands.
- Destruction of natural habitats is today's most significant threat to wildlife.
Author's summary: New study shows extinction rates have slowed.