e., caused by humans) mass extinction (2009). It is has been noted by scientists that it takes approximately 10 million years before biological diversity can even begin to get near what it existed before it died off. Over 10,000 scientists in the World Conservation Union have come up with data showing that "51% of known reptiles, 62% of known insects, and 73% of known flowering plants are in danger along with many mammals, birds and amphibians" (2009).

McKinney and Lockwood (1999) came up with a list of traits that influence whether species are "winners" or "losers" in a human-dominated world. Traits promoting range expansion were: selected traits (small size, high fecundity); high variability; widespread; rapid dispersal; generalist (eurytopy); and human commensalism. Some of the traits promoting extinction were: selected traits (large sixe, low fecundity); low variability; rare; slow dispersal; specialist (stenotopy); and poorly adapted to human activities (1999).

As was...
[ View Full Essay]