Discussion Topic: 6.5. Forum 3: Biodiversity and Extinction (Graded Discussion) – Sect. 09796.5. Forum 3: Biodiversity and Extinction (Graded Discussion) – Sect. 0979
We’ve recently discussed how new species arise and also how they end: the process of extinction. Recent research suggests that we may be in the middle of a sixth mass extinction event, in this case caused by humans.
First, watch the following video: The Sixth Extinction
The following articles deal with aspects of world biodiversity and extinctions. Read through at least two of the articles below and draw from them in your posts and comments.
A third of all amphibian species are threatened with extinction.
Discusses how deforestation is threatening the survival of lemurs which are found only on the island of Madagascar.
(Smithsonian Magazine)
(The Conversation)
Links to info about non-native species in California and the Pacific Ocean. These aren’t required, but may help you recognize invasive species you’ve encountered previously.
(California Dept of Fish and Wildlife)
(San Diego County–pdf)
(California Dept of Fish and Wildlife)
In your original post, please respond to the two questions below. As you can see from the prompts, I am interested in hearing about your own experiences, and opinions. There are not any right or wrong answers here, so you should feel free to share your unique point of view. If you need to look up reference information, such as the origins of a non-native species, you are welcome to do so. However, any use of generative AI for discussion forums is NOT permitted; your responses must be your own writing.
1. Describe an experience you or someone you know has had with a non-native, invasive species of plants and animals. (Try to come up with one, but if you can’t, you can always use the pigeon!) What was the name of the plant or animal, and where did you encounter it? What do you know about where it originally arrived from and how it got there? What effect (if any) does the species have on the native ecosystem that it has invaded?
2. Do you think humans realistically do anything to reverse the mass extinctions described in the articles? What sacrifices, if any (economic, demographic, etc) are you personally willing to make in order to preserve biodiversity?
As with all Discussion forums, please also respectfully reply to two other student posts (3 points for each comment). See this for some hints on writing effective replies to posts.
