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The loss of species can disrupt ecosystem services vital to human survival from "summary" of The 6th Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
Elizabeth Kolbert explores the consequences of the ongoing mass extinction event on Earth in her book 'The 6th Extinction'. One key concept she delves into is the critical connection between the loss of species and the disruption of ecosystem services vital to human survival. Ecosystems provide a wide range of services that are essential for human well-being, including clean air, fresh water, food, and medicine. These services are maintained by the interactions between various species within an ecosystem. When species become extinct, these interactions are disrupted, leading to a loss of ecosystem services. For example, certain plants and animals play crucial roles in pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. If these species disappear, the functions they perform are compromised, resulting in reduced agricultural productivity, increased vulnerability to diseases, and a decline in overall ecosystem health. Moreover, the loss of species can trigger a domino effect within ecosystems. As key species disappear, the entire ecosystem can collapse, leading to further extinctions and a cascade of negative impacts on human societies. This scenario has been observed in past mass extinction events, such as the Permian extinction, which wiped out 95% of marine species and had profound consequences for global ecosystems. In the face of the current extinction crisis, it is crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of species and the services they provide. Protecting biodiversity is not just about saving individual species; it is about safeguarding the intricate web of life that sustains us all. Failure to address the loss of species and its impact on ecosystem services could have devastating consequences for human survival in the long run.
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