Causes of Animal Extinction and Disappearing Species

Causes of Animal Extinction and Disappearing Species Newler argues that, animals become extinct when they die and no longer exist; at that death of the only existing members of the species. Extinction simply means to be away forever. The process takes place over a period of time. A species may be regarded to as functionally extinct before it is fully extinct when only a few of them exist. The existing group is for one reason or another unable to reproduce and propagate the species, hence termed as functionally extinct. The process begins from the time when the death rate is higher than the birthrate. The number of animals then slowly decreases to extinction, (Newler, 102). Newler also adds that in biology extinction is the end of a given species of animals in an ecosystem. Though not documented, scientist believe that 99.9% of the species that have existed before have so far been extinct. A certain species of animals may get extinct because it cannot survive in the changing environmental conditions; allowing only the species that are well adapted to the environment to survive. This shows that there are certain natural factors within the environment that causes extinction, (Newler, 102). According to Manwel, a number of animals that existed several years ago have since been extinct. These include: tyrannosaurus Rex (extinct 65 million years ago), Stellers sea cow: the defenseless beast (extinct since 1768), Thylacine: the Tasmanian tiger (extinct sine 1936), Quagga: half Zebra, half Horse (extinct since 1883), Irish Deer: the largest deer that ever lived (extinct about 7,700 years ago), Caspian Tiger: the third largest (extinct since 1970), Aurochs: a very large type of cattle (extinct since 1627), Great Auk: largest of all Auks (extinct since 1844), Cave Lion: one of the largest lions ever (extinct since 2,000 years ago) and Dodo: the archetype of extinct species (extinct since late 17th century), (Manwel, 75) Causes of animal extinction Although some cases of animal extinction is attributed to natural factors within the environment, it is however evident that human activities play a very key role in the process. Scientists have studied the human activities that causes immense environmental changes which makes the environment unfit for the existence of a particular species of animals. Since humans have become the dominant species on earth, increase in human activities leads to exploitation of the resources within the environment and leads to emissions that may cause serious climatic changes which reduce the chances of survival of the animals. Some of the causes of extinction include the following. Global warming According to Manwel, there is a close association between global warming and extinction of animal species on earth. Scientist argue that 251 million years ago, life on earth nearly came to an end when there was mass extinction that saw the death of over 90% of all species on earth. This was caused by a volcanic eruption that caused an increase in atmospheric temperatures by 6 oC setting off a greenhouse effect that led to the mass extinction. The greenhouse effect was caused by the emission of carbon dioxide from the volcanic eruption. The accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere creates greenhouse effect, (Manwel, 77). Ruckler adds that with the increase in human activity and industrial advancements lead to the emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which causes greenhouse effect. As the levels of carbon dioxide increases, the evidence of its effects on the planet becomes more glaring. At present, a number of animal species are at the verge of extinction because of the serious environmental changes cause by global warming. Global warming leads to increase in atmospheric temperatures and reduces the amount of oxygen both in the atmosphere and the water bodies. This greatly affects the existence of animals. For example, when the amount of oxygen dissolved in water is reduced, anaerobic bacteria increases and the number of the other aquatic animals reduces drastically. Global warming also affects migration of animals, hatching of eggs and distribution of animal species in the planet. There is factual evidence that global warming is tied with animal extinction. In Australia for example, White Pos sum is believed to be extinct as a result of global warming. The animal died because it could not withstand the high temperatures, (Ruclker, 56). Overhunting and overfishing According to Raloff, overhunting refers to the harvesting of wild animals beyond the growth rate of the population; such that the total population of the animals gradually reduces. Both overhunting and overfishing reduces that number of animal species. For example, a number of fish species are facing extinction because of overfishing. Overhunting in the high seas has reduced significantly the population of whales, sea turtles, sea cows and other fish species, (Raloff, 23). Most humans hunt for wild animals for their hides and meat. Human encroachment into the forest and new habitat has seen the extinction of animal species. In North America, 11,000 years ago, when people first migrated from Serbia to Alaska, it is thought that some species of animals including the mastodon, mammoth and Saber-toothed tiger became extinct within a few centuries because of hunting and resource exploitation. The effects of global warming are evident from the extinction of a member of the primate group in Ghana and Ivory Coast. The red colobus and the red-checked monkey became extinct from the African forest because overhunting and destruction of its habitat brought about by human inhabitance. Raloff argues that in the past, the extinction of animals such as elephant birds and lemurs in Madagascar, kangaroos in Australia, Moas in New Zealand, herbivores in America are overhunting. Hunting poses major threat to animals and has lead to the increase in the number of endangered species. The most endangered groups of animals in the world today are the mammals and birds. For mammals the main disadvantage they have is that they are big (require more food and water) and reproduce at a slower rate hence they can be easily wiped out through overhunting. Birds are susceptible for overhunting because of their conspicuous nature. This makes the two goops the most endangered groups in the modern world, (Raloff, 23). Habitat degradation Manwel and Mwenda pointed out that most animals live well in given set of condition provided in a given habitat. Habitat degradation means that the conditions are altered making it unsuitable for animal inhabitance; which may cause the extinction of a species of animals, which directly depend on the environment for food and shelter. The environment is changing from time to time in a slow pace. Human activities cause rapid changes in the environment to the disadvantage of animals which are slow to adapt to the fast changing environment. Increase in agriculture, mining, logging and fishing are just but a few human activities that expedite the extinction process through environmental degradation, (Mwenza, 96). Habitat degradation may cause extinction of animal species either directly or indirectly. The industries and farms produce a lot of toxic products. The effects of these products include; reduced reproductive capacity, short life span and reduces that ability of the animals to survive the environmental conditions. The availability of food and shelter from the environment is reduced by habitat destruction. Overpopulation Manwel and mwenda said that overpopulation in animals stiffens the competition for food and shelter. When the population of animals is higher than the carrying capacity of a given ecosystem, there will be a shortage of resources which definitely leads to the death of some animals. Overpopulation leads to overexploitation of the existing resources. When there is overpopulation of predators, the population of the prey reduces to and becomes one of the endangered species. If the increasing population of the predators is not controlled, the prey soon becomes extinct, (Manwel and Mwenda, 29). Conclusion The number of endangered species in animals increases with time. This means that the total population of animals on earth reduces gradually. A number of animal species are now facing extinction. The main causes of extinction can be either natural causes or human activities that affect those animals directly or indirectly. The causes include: global warming, overhunting and overfishing, overpopulation and habitat degradation. The main effects of these factors is that they endanger some animals species. Work cited Manwel, Paula. and Mwenda, J. Earths Endangered Creatures. 5th ed. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc, 1998. Newler, Martin. Disappearing Species. London: McGraw-Hill publishers, 2000. Raloff, Geoffrey. Extinction and Environmental Changes. 2nd Ed. Boston: Allyn Bacon publishers, 2004. Ruckler, Benjamin. Species Disappearing at an Alarming Rate. (3rd Ed.). New York: John Wiley Sons, Inc, 2006.

Qcf641 1.6, 1.7

Shopfitting Bench Joinery Level 2 NVQ Unit 1. 6 & 1. 7 The different types of health, safety and welfare legislation relevant to my occupational area are: – Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)   RIDDOR requires employers to report major injuries, deaths, diseases and other dangerous occurrences to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). RIDDOR applies to my occupational area because machinery is constantly in use in the workshop, so there is always a risk of serious injury or death.If this ever happens, the incident must be reported to the employer and the HSE. – Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) The Health and Safety at Work Act is the main act that all workplaces conform to. All employers are required â€Å"to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work† of all their employees. The Health and Safety at Work Act applies to every workplace including Exmedia. It is t he duty of all employers to make sure the workplace is safe for all employees to work in with a low risk of injury or any other hazard. Controlling Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) COSHH requires employers to protect employees and other persons from the  hazards  of  substances  used at work by  risk assessment, control of exposure, health surveillance and incident planning. COSHH applies to my workplace because different chemicals and substances are used a lot in the workshop. Different chemicals are used to clean surfaces that can contain harmful substances, so it is important to make sure the area is safe to use them and that the user is wearing the correct PPE/RPE.

12 New Teacher Start-of-School Strategies

A Research Study On Breast Cancer - 981 Words

In this case study we have Sarah a forty-two-year-old woman who has breast cancer which has metastasized to her lungs. Despite having had multiple tumors removed the cancer has returned. Sarah’s oncologist, Greg, recommends that she take part in a double blind experimental drug trial in an effort to slow the occurrence of more tumors. Greg explains that the risks of the drug are not entirely known; the drug won’t cure her cancer but may slow its progression, it may leave her extremely fatigued and susceptible to infection and/or illness and to save himself from liability, he briefly states that there is a slight risk for disorientation. What Greg withholds is that fact that the medication has a 20% chance of affecting Sarah’s cognitive abilities, which she relies on as a writer. Greg is afraid that if Sarah knew this she would refuse to participate in the clinical trial, which may be her last hope. Jennifer, one of Sarah’s nurses, has seen the cognit ive decline from these experimental medications herself in other patients, but ultimately decides it is up to Sarah alone to decide what is right for herself and she doesn’t tell Sarah of the disorientation. Jennifer and Greg’s obligation to Sarah revolves upon some main principles autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. Both Jennifer and Greg need to allow Sarah to make her own informed choices (autonomy) regarding her medical care whether it leads toward the experimental medication or the refusal toShow MoreRelatedA Research Study On Breast Cancer1308 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Breast Cancer is on the fore-front of modern tumor research and scientists are continually seeking for new ways to treat and prevent cancer progression. Current treatments by hormone-dependent drugs like Tamoxifen and Raloxifene focus on estrogen receptor inhibition in mammary and endometrial cell lines. This group of drugs are known as selective-estrogen receptor modulators or SERMS, which are effective in estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) and hormone-estrogen receptor 2 positiveRead MoreA Research Study On Breast Cancer2138 Words   |  9 Pages Breast Cancer accounts for more than 20 percent of cancer in women, and is the primary cause of cancer death among women globally.1 Despite extensive scientific research on the disease, the outlook on a cure arguably remains poor. While some breast cancer survivors and women at high risk remain hopeful that soy intake will reduce the risk or even cure cancer, the recommendations are conflicting. For decades, the relationship between soy foods, supplements, phytoestrogen intake and cancer hasRead MoreA Research Study On Breast Cancer1702 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of high mortality and morbidity in women population worldwide. Up to date, no effective breast cancer treatment has been developed and this has motivated academic scientists for the quest for alternative drugs and the discovery of drug targets. Increasing evidence suggests that carotenoids, which are micronutrients in fruit and vegetables, reduce breast cancer risk [1]. Previous findings suggest a protective role of ÃŽ ±-carotene, ÃŽ ²-carotene,Read MoreBreat Cancer Screening Essay1514 Words   |  7 PagesBREAST CANCER SCREENING DR. DANA MORTEZ ARLECIA PURVIS JULY 17, 2011 Current research shows mammograms are stronger than in the past. In a recent study it has confirmed that mammograms benefit for women in their forties and fifties. Women feel confident about the benefits that are associated with a regular mammograms for finding cancer early. However, mammograms can have their limitations. A mammogram will miss some cancers, and it sometimes can leadRead MoreA Short Note On Soy Products Good Or Bad For Cancer?1100 Words   |  5 PagesPeBenito 12/5/14 Bio 100 Section-09 Lynne Dowdy Soy Products Good or Bad for Cancer? Cancer is a disease that has been an ongoing controversy on what can help to prevent getting it. Cancer is when cells are dividing at an uncontrollable rate. Cancer is developed when cancer cells go into lymph nodes and also when they take over the blood vessels, lymph nodes are when there is swelling the the lymphatic system. With the cancer there is swelling which is called a tumor. Tumor is when there is swellingRead MoreThe Issue Of Breast Cancer830 Words   |  4 PagesThe issue of breast cancer affecting many individuals is a growing one. At the present time period it is now found that one in every eight women will be told they have breast cancer (â€Å"National Breast Cancer Foundation†, 2012). Therefore there is a significant amount of research going into this area. In addition, to the large amount of women and smaller amount of men who will be potentially diagnosed with breast cancer has become a global burden because those with metastatic cancer will eventuallyRea d MoreThe Survival Rates Of Breast Cancer1373 Words   |  6 Pages Breast Cancer is the most common misfortune in women and second leading cause of death by cancer. Today, woman with breast cancer have a 90% chance of surviving for five years post-diagnosis. However, African American women have a national survival rate of 79%. Socioeconomic barriers and lack of access to health services have crippled African American women in breast cancer advancements. Studies have show that African American women tend to be diagnosed with a higher-stage of cancer because ofRead MoreThe Importance Of Breast Cancer Treatment934 Words   |  4 PagesBreast cancer treatment depends on many factors such as the location of the cancer, the size, if it’s spread and the patient’s general health. Also, treatment currently includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted cancer drugs (Cancer Research UK, 2017a). Further, surgery includes lumpectomy which removes just the cancerous area in an attempt to keep the majority of the breas t tissue and has a much shorter recovery time and mastectomy which removes the entirety of theRead MoreA Brief Note On The North Fork Of Long Island1726 Words   |  7 Pagesweeds, these commodities would be much harder to come by. Chemicals such as PCB’s, PHA’s, and the now banned DDT were all once used on these fertile farmlands of Long Island and since then may be a direct factor to the rise in cancer rates on Long Island, especially breast cancer. In the agricultural industry, one of the most common ways to treat crops is by a fogging method. With this method, a large factor goes through the crops with tanks of whatever chemical pesticide or fungicide they may be usingRead MoreBreast Cancer : A Common Malignancy1204 Words   |  5 PagesBreast cancer is the most common malignancy in the UK, accounting for 15% of all diagnosed cancers, affecting around 50,000 women and 350 men, leading to just under 12,000 deaths in 11/12.1,2 The risk of getting breast cancer is linked to increased age, gender genetics (BRCA 1 BRCA 2 gene mutations). Lifestyle factors that also increase the incidence of breast cancer (around 27% each year) are; Oestrogen exposure, being overweight/obese, high alcohol intake, tobacco smoke, oral contraceptives