The biodiversity of species and their rates of extinction, distribution, and protection
Permanent Link:

Material Information

Title:
The biodiversity of species and their rates of extinction, distribution, and protection
Alternate title:
Science Magazine Volume 344 Issue 6187
Creator:
S.L. Pimm
C.N. Jenkins
R. Abell
T.M. Brooks
J.L. Gittleman
L.N. Joppa
P.H. Raven
C.M. Roberts
J.O. Sexton
Affiliation:
Duke University -- Nicholas Scool of the Environment
Instituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas
International Union for the Conservation of Nature
University of Georgia -- Odum School of Ecology
Microsoft Research
Missouri Botancial Garden
University of York -- Environmental Department
Publisher:
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Publication Date:
Language:
English

Notes

Abstract:
Recent studies clarify where the most vulnerable species live, where and how humanity changes the planet, and how this drives extinctions. We assess key statistics about species, their distribution, and their status. Most are undescribed. Those we know best have large geographical ranges and are often common within them. Most known species have small ranges. The numbers of small-ranged species are increasing quickly, even in well-known taxa. They are geographically concentrated and are disproportionately likely to be threatened or already extinct. Current rates of extinction are about 1000 times the likely background rate of extinction. Future rates depend on many factors and are poised to increase. Although there has been rapid progress in developing protected areas, such efforts are not ecologically representative, nor do they optimally protect biodiversity. ( English )

Record Information

Source Institution:
Florida International University
Rights Management:
Please contact the owning institution for licensing and permissions. It is the user's responsibility to ensure use does not violate any third party rights.

dpSobek Membership

Aggregations:
Sea Level Rise