Review of hundreds of ecological studies says extinctions have begun
University of Texas biologist Camille Parmesan reviewed 866 studies, concluding that extinctions caused by a rapidly warming world have begun, citing the extinction of 70 species of mountain-dwelling frogs. No other specific extinctions are referenced, but they may include more mountain-top-dependent species like the frogs, and possibly polar species like emperor penguins and polar bears, she predicts. She acknowledges that evolutionary changes are underway to compensate for the changing environment, but that they can’t keep pace with the rapidity of the environmental changes. I wonder how long it will be before the changes are dramatic enough to enter our common consciousness?
