No creature larger than a small dog survived the KT event Gradualists still

No creature larger than a small dog survived the KT eventGradualists still think it was the Deccan TrapsoHappened when India moved over the Reunion plumeoNo evidence of the creation of a catastrophic environment from thisChapter 20: Holocene Mass Extinction Going on now¼ may be extinct by 2125 and ¾ by 2200Only 1.8/10 million species are documentedThe problem isn’t the quantity of CO2we pump out, it’s the rate at which we do itThis extinction has been split into waves:o1. Spread of Modern HumansHalf the genera of large animals diedFirst extinctions occurred from overkillSome from invasive species brought to Hawaii/NZ by Stone Age farmerso2. Spread of EuropeansEuropean expansion and migrationE.g. Spaniards in the Caribbean Causes in order areOver exploitationHabitat destructionIntro of invasive species from home

o3. GlobalizationTropical animals are most at riskSo are amphibians Humans have cut down 40% of all forestsLoss of habitat is primary causeOverexploitationOverfishingSelling turtle shellsInvasion of Alien SpeciesGreatest effect on isolated species e.g. on islandsAsian long horn beetle Climate ChangeUpsets whole food chainPollution2ndlargest threat to amphibians DiseaseBlight eliminated chestnut treesThe only solution is education:oThe reduction of human population is essentialoImproved biotechnology is importantoNatural habitats must be preservedoChange our attitude towards natureThree scenarios to finalize this extinction:o1. Collapse of the Gulf StreamPart of the Thermohaline Circulation System If it collapses, temp drops 5-8 degreesPlants die, famine occurso2. Collapse of Amazon Rainforest

Trees absorb CO2If too much CO2 in air then it won’t rain as muchTemp will soar, strengthen greenhouse and animals dieo3. Methane Release from Sea FloorTrillions of tons beneath the ArcticCould be released if ocean warmsVery strong greenhouse gasCase of Golden ToadCase of Passenger Pigeon