The main topic of the text is the alarming rate of global biodiversity loss, with extinction rates now 100 to 1000 times higher than the natural background rate. This crisis affects a wide range of species across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, driven primarily by human activities. Despite some species showing population increases, the overall trend is a decline in biodiversity, with nearly half of 70,000 assessed species experiencing population drops. The text also discusses the complexity of measuring biodiversity loss and the debates surrounding net biodiversity changes in local regions.
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Millions of species, including those not yet formally identified, are at risk of extinction
Nearly half of the 70,000 species assessed are experiencing population declines due to human activities
Scientists use various indices, such as phylogenetic diversity and genetic diversity, to measure and understand the multifaceted nature of biodiversity
There is ongoing debate about the net change in biodiversity within specific regions, highlighting the complexities involved in measuring and interpreting biodiversity data
00
A multitude of creatures, such as ______, ______, ______, ______, and ______, are experiencing a crisis that affects both land and water habitats.
mammals
birds
reptiles
amphibians
fish
01
The main causes of the rapid decrease in biodiversity are ______ ______, which have adversely influenced most species.
human activities
02
Despite the widespread decline, a small number of species have shown ______ in their populations.
increases
