Human-Driven Extinction: The Devastating Mutilation of the Tree of Life

Human-driven mass extinction is causing the rapid loss of not only species but entire genera of vertebrate animals, leading to a "biological annihilation" that severely impacts biodiversity and has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human life. A study by Stanford University and the National Autonomous University of Mexico reveals that the crisis extends beyond species extinctions, with entire genera disappearing, resulting in a "mutilation of the tree of life." The current rate of vertebrate genus extinction exceeds natural rates by 35 times, and the loss of genera has profound implications for the stability of ecosystems, medical research, and the climate crisis. Urgent political, economic, and social action is needed to prevent further extinctions and address the interconnected extinction and climate crises.