Invasive Species May Trigger Next Mass Extinction

[marmar]

from Treehugger:




Invasive Species May Trigger Next Mass Extinction
by David DeFranza, Washington, DC on 01. 3.11


Throughout the history of the Earth, there have been five great extinction events—periods in which there was a sharp decrease in both the diversity and abundance of life. With estimates indicating that currently one animal species is lost every 20 minutes, some have begun calling the present period the "sixth great extinction."

The loss of species alone, however, does not tell the entire story of an extinction event. According to new research, the lack of new species is also important—and the spread of invasive species may be the greatest hindrance to the process of speciation.

SLIDESHOW: The World's Most Lovable Invasive Species

Alycia Stigall, a researcher at Ohio University, tracked several species through the Late Devonian period. What she found was surprising. "We refer to the Late Devonian as a mass extinction," she explains, "but it was actually a biodiversity crisis."

During the Late Devonian, a period of great vicariance—the process of isolation that allows for the adaptation of entirely new species—came to an end as sea levels rose and separate land masses became fused into one. A mixing of previously isolated species occurred, introducing new invaders to many ecosystems. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/01/invasive-species-may-trigger-next-mass-extinction.php

[pinto]

1. Fascinating slideshow...some surprises on that list.

Thanks for the post. :hi:

[marmar]

2. "some surprises on that list"

I know. I never thought of mallards and swans that way.

[pinto]

8. Me neither. Raccoons, yeah. But swans? Who'd a thought? (nt)

[ladjf]

3. The "invasive species" has already arrived in case you haven't

noticed. nt

[Turbineguy]

5. They are called

"Tea Baggers"

[ladjf]

6. I'm afraid they are called homosapien. nt

[stuntcat]

7. makes me want to talk with the dEvil who put them here

I have some words for "Him" It is certainly no "God" who gave the Earth 7 billion humans.

[meow mix]

4. that little mongoose is so cute lol

wonder if they make good pets