KhizooologyThe Sixth Extinction
Biodiversity loss is a change in relationships, not just a count.
Big Idea
Kolbert connects evidence from past extinctions with reporting on how human activity is transforming present ecosystems.
Deep history
Earlier mass extinctions show that life's diversity can change drastically.
Habitat change
Altered landscapes affect where organisms can live and reproduce.
Moving species
Human transport can connect organisms that evolved separately.
Changing conditions
Climate and ocean chemistry changes create additional pressures.
Responsibility
The book asks what it means for one species to reshape the conditions of many others.
Notooo Take
Connect a local environmental change with the species that depend on that place.
One Thing to Keep
Biodiversity loss is a change in relationships, not just a count.