Question

Since the origin of life on Earth, there were five episodes of mass extinction of species.

1. How is the ‘Sixth Extinction’, presently in progress, different from the previous episodes?
2. Who is mainly responsible for the ‘Sixth Extinction’?
3. List important points that can help to overcome this disaster.

Answer 1

The ‘Sixth Extinction,’ which is presently in progress, differs from the previous five mass extinction events mainly in its cause:

• The previous mass extinctions were primarily driven by natural planetary transformations (such as climatic changes and volcanic eruptions) or by catastrophic events like asteroid strikes.
• The current, Sixth Extinction is largely caused by human activities and is sometimes referred to as the era of “Anthropocene defaunation.”

The main responsible agent for the Sixth Extinction is human beings through various activities such as habitat destruction, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution, introduction of alien species, and climate change effects caused by humans.

Important points or measures that can help overcome this disaster include:

1. Control of human population growth.
2. Curtailing excessive exploitation of natural resources.
3. Mitigation of global warming and climate change.
4. Identification and protection of biodiversity-rich regions known as biodiversity “hotspots.”
5. Establishment and maintenance of National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
6. Preservation of germplasm (genetic material) of threatened species.
7. Promoting awareness and sustainable practices to minimize habitat loss and pollution.

These steps aim at preserving biodiversity by protecting ecosystems, reducing human impact, and ensuring sustainable coexistence with natural life forms.