The first is simply the number of species that normally go extinct over a given period of time. For example, at the background rate one species of bird will go extinct every estimated 400 years. Another way the extinction rate can be given is in million species years (MSY).

Background extinction rate, or normal extinction rate, refers to the number of species that would be expected to go extinct over a period of time, based on non-anthropogenic (non-human) factors. The background extinction rate is often measured for a specific classification and over a particular period of time.

The current rate of extinction of species is estimated at 100 to 1,000 times higher than natural background extinction rates.

Mass extinctions happen because of climate change, asteroid impacts, massive volcanic eruptions or a combination of these causes. This event seems to be the combination of massive volcanic eruptions (the Deccan Traps) and the fall of a big meteorite.

Scientists have been concerned that human activities could cause more plants and animals to become extinct than any point in the past. Along with human-made changes in climate (see above), some of these extinctions could be caused by overhunting, overfishing, invasive species, or habitat loss.

Katie says, ‘The current rate of extinction is between 100 and 1,000 times higher than the pre-human background rate of extinction, which is jaw-dropping. We are definitely going through a sixth mass extinction. ‘ Never before has a single species been responsible for such destruction on Earth.

In 300 million years or less, it may become very inhospitable for life to continue to exist on the land, and if we leave it alone, evolution may encourage life to return to the sea where the climate will be a bit more moderate. As for humans, we may adapt to living on the land, or we may decide to leave the planet.

Among land vertebrates (species with an internal skeleton), 322 species have been recorded going extinct since the year 1500, or about 1.2 species going extinction every two years. All these conditions together indicate that a sixth mass extinction is already well under way.

5 Steps to Prevent Animal Extinction

1. Buy Eco-Friendly Products.
2. Follow The 3-R Rule: Recycle, Reuse, Reduce.
3. Don’t Buy Souvenirs Made From Endangered Species.
4. Eat Less Meat.
5. Spread Awareness: get involved.