Summary of Reading Task #4

According to Jon Erickson in “Dying planet, the extinction of species”(published in 1991 by TAB Books), this article gives the definition of endangered species. An endangered species is a population of an organism which is at risk of becoming extinct because it has few in number or threatened by changing environmental or predation. The writer indicates that The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has calculated that endangered species have taken 40 percent of all organisms. Fortunately, he describes that many nations have laws to protect endangered animals. However, only a few of them have obtained legal protection as well as most of them do not gain public notice.

In addition, he explains that each organism plays a key role in our food chains. Population increases or declines often result in secondary species. Moreover, he points out that the whole ecosystem structure may be changed even destroyed irreversibly.

On the other hand, the writer states that some scientists think extinction is a natural effect of the process of natural selection. “Extinct animals should be extinct”, they argue that.


Critique


According to this text, I get much knowledge about endangered animals. The writer uses numbers to state that animals are in danger because recent rates of extinction are 100 to 1000 times higher than the typical or average extinction rates. Humans are disrupting the ecological balance by hunting, habitat destruction etc. I agree with this point that loss of a species may lead to destroy of whole food chain. However, I also think that extinction must exist because it is the process of natural selection. Species with strong traits that can adapt and suit to environment is easier to survive through the process of natural selection.

This acticle is logical, well organized and provides many explanations and definitions to help me understand some concepts. He uses lots of examples and picture which make his article more attractive.