Types

Causes

Hotspots

Biodiversity

Links

Sources

Abstract

There have been a few past mass extinctions that have taken place.  Today, both natural and human induced factors are cause of extinction.  Natural causes for extinction include the following: asteroids, acid rain, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, climatic heating or cooling, changes in sea level or currents, cosmic radiation, predation and disease, and spread of invasive species.  Naturally caused extinction usually occurs at a slower rate than human induced extinction.  Human causes of extinction include increased human population, invasive/exotic species introduction, destruction/fragmentation of habitat, pollution and climate change.  There are many hotspots around the globe that are in high danger of extinction for many animals and plant life.  Hot spots are diagramed in six continents excluding Antarctica.  Hot spots are heavier along coastlines and near the equator.  Hotspots can explain varying reasons why extinction is happening including governmental policies as well as pollution and deforestation etc.  It is important to try to find ways in which to stem human induced extinction and its consequences.  Loss of biodiversity, a major consequence of extinction, has damaging effects on ecosystems, crop productions, and can result in an economic loss. In order to reduce biodiversity loss, funding and the implementation of conservation activities needs to be put into action while the opportunity is still there.