Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

53. Conservation Biology

Conservation Biology

General Biology

53. Conservation Biology

Conservation Biology

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3:30 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Current rates of species extinction appear to be approximately
a. Equal to
b. 10 times lower than
c. 10 times higher than
d. 50 to 100 times higher than
e. 1000 to 10,000 times higher than

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context of the problem: The question is asking about the comparison between current rates of species extinction and historical (background) rates of extinction. Historical rates refer to the natural rate of species extinction before significant human influence.

Recall the impact of human activities: Human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change have significantly accelerated extinction rates. This is a key factor to consider when comparing current and historical rates.

Review scientific estimates: Studies in conservation biology suggest that current extinction rates are much higher than historical rates due to anthropogenic factors. These estimates are often expressed as multiples of the background extinction rate.

Analyze the options provided: The options range from 'equal to' (no difference) to '1000 to 10,000 times higher' (a very significant increase). Consider which option aligns with the scientific consensus on the impact of human activities on extinction rates.

Select the most accurate answer: Based on the scientific understanding of extinction rates, choose the option that best reflects the magnitude of the difference between current and historical rates of extinction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Species Extinction Rates

Species extinction rates refer to the frequency at which species disappear from the planet over a specific period. Historically, these rates have been relatively low, with natural extinctions occurring at a rate of about one species per million species per year. However, current extinction rates are significantly influenced by human activities, leading to a dramatic increase in the number of species that are becoming extinct.

Background Extinction Rate

The background extinction rate is the standard rate of extinction in Earth's biological history before the significant impact of human activity. This rate serves as a baseline for understanding how current extinction rates compare. It is estimated that the background rate is about 0.1 to 1 species per million species per year, which helps contextualize the alarming rise in extinction rates observed today.

Anthropogenic Impact

Anthropogenic impact refers to the effects of human activity on the environment and ecosystems. This includes habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of resources, all of which contribute to the accelerated rates of species extinction. Understanding this concept is crucial for recognizing the urgency of conservation efforts and the need for sustainable practices to mitigate further loss of biodiversity.