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How humans drive speciation as well as extinction.

J W Bull1, M Maron2

  • 1Department of Food and Resource Economics and Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Copenhagen, Denmark jwb@ifro.ku.dk.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human activities drive both species extinction and the emergence of new species through mechanisms like relocation and domestication. Conservation goals should consider both processes for a complete understanding of biodiversity trends.

Keywords:
Holoceneconservationdiversificationno net lossspecies

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Area of Science:

  • Conservation Science
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Human activities are a primary driver of global species extinction.
  • The mechanisms by which humans promote the emergence of new species are less understood.
  • Evaluating net species diversity, considering both extinction and speciation, is crucial for conservation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and analyze human-mediated speciation processes.
  • To compare the rates and magnitudes of human-driven speciation and extinction.
  • To discuss the challenges and implications of using 'no net loss' as a conservation objective.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of human-mediated speciation mechanisms (relocation, domestication, hunting, novel ecosystems).
  • Comparison of Holocene species turnover (relocation, domestication, hunting) with observed extinctions.
  • Exploration of anthropogenic influence on microbial divergence.
  • Analysis of conservation literature regarding 'no net loss' objectives, considering phylogenetic diversity and risk aversion.

Main Results:

  • Human activities, including relocation, domestication, and hunting, have influenced species diversity on a scale comparable to extinctions.
  • While human-mediated speciation is documented, its overall impact on speciation rates remains unquantified.
  • Anthropogenic effects on microorganism divergence are significant.
  • A 'no net loss' conservation approach, even if biologically balanced, may be ethically and ecologically unacceptable.

Conclusions:

  • Considering speciation alongside extinction provides a more comprehensive view of biodiversity dynamics.
  • Understanding human impacts on both speciation and extinction is essential for refining conservation objectives.
  • Clarifying societal values regarding biodiversity requires evaluating the full spectrum of human influence on species diversity.