Extinction is a somewhat new concept in the realm of science. Until recently (well as recent as the 18th century), people had a tough time imagining a world where species that once walked on earth disappeared.
Cognitive biases made it difficult to envision such a momentous change in the world as we knew it. Yet, many still find it inconceivable that we could be even remotely responsible for the seismic shift that is presently occurring right under our noses.
“No other creature has ever managed this, and it will, unfortunately, be our most enduring legacy.”
The Sixth Extinction was selected as one of The New York Times 10 Best Books of 2014. Having just added it to the Broyhill Library, I couldn’t resist passing along this wonderful (yet scary) illustration from xkcd (a webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language).
If something can’t go on forever . . .
