A new study published in Science reveals that human-driven extinctions of hundreds of bird species over the past 130,000 years have significantly reduced avian functional diversity — the variety of roles birds play in ecosystems — and led to the loss of around 3 billion years of unique evolutionary history.

Whilst humans have been driving a global erosion of species richness for millennia, the consequences of past extinctions for other dimensions of biodiversity are poorly known. New research led by the University of Birmingham highlights the severe consequences of the ongoing biodiversity crisis and the urgent need to identify the ecological functions being lost through extinction.

Well-Known Bird Extinctions and Their Broader Impact

From the well-documented Dodo to the recent Kauaʻi ʻōʻō songbird declared extinct in 2023, scientists currently have evidence of at least 600 bird species having become extinct as a result of humans since the Late Pleistocene when modern humans started to spread throughout the world. Using the most comprehensive dataset to date of all known bird extinctions during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene, the paper ‘The global loss of avian functional and phylogenetic diversity from anthropogenic extinctions’ looks beyond the number of extinctions to the wider implications on the planet.

The extinction of birds due to man has caused the loss of three billion years of unique evolutionary history, claims new research.

The true global impact of the loss of hundreds of avian species caused by humans – such as the Dodo – is far greater than expected, say scientists.

They say the wiping out of hundreds of bird species due to human activity over the last 130,000 years has led to “substantial” reductions in avian functional diversity – a measure of the range of different roles and functions that birds undertake within the environment

Lead author Dr. Tom Matthews, of the University of Birmingham, said: “The sheer number of bird species that have become extinct is, of course, a big part of the extinction crisis.

“But what we also need to focus on is that every species has a job or function within the environment and therefore plays a really important role in its ecosystem.

“Some birds control pests by eating insects, scavenger birds recycle dead matter, others eat fruit and disperse the seeds enabling more plants and trees to grow, and some, like hummingbirds, are very important pollinators.

Humankind is revealed as simultaneously insignificant and utterly dominant in the grand scheme of life on Earth by a groundbreaking new assessment of all life on the planet.

The world’s 7.6 billion people represent just 0.01% of all living things, according to the study. Yet since the dawn of civilisation, humanity has caused the loss of 83% of all wild mammals and half of plants, while livestock kept by humans abounds

I was shocked to find there wasn’t already a comprehensive, holistic estimate of all the different components of biomass,” said Prof Ron Milo, at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, who led the work, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“I would hope this gives people a perspective on the very dominant role that humanity now plays on Earth,” he said, adding that he now chooses to eat less meat due to the huge environmental impact of livestock

Human Impact on Biodiversity: A Growing Concern
The statement “Humans Have Erased 3 Billion Years of Evolution – and It’s Getting Worse” is a stark reminder of the profound impact human activities have had on our planet’s biodiversity.
This claim is supported by recent studies, such as those focusing on avian extinctions. These studies suggest that human-driven activities have led to the loss of numerous species, erasing millions of years of evolutionary history. This loss is particularly concerning as it can have cascading effects on entire ecosystems.
Key factors contributing to this biodiversity crisis include:

• Habitat destruction: Clearing forests, draining wetlands, and urbanizing natural areas are major threats to biodiversity.
• Climate change: Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and ocean acidification are disrupting ecosystems and forcing species to adapt or perish.
• Pollution: Chemicals, plastics, and other pollutants can contaminate habitats, harm wildlife, and disrupt food chains.
• Overexploitation: Overfishing, illegal hunting, and unsustainable resource extraction can lead to population declines and even extinction.
  The implications of this biodiversity loss are far-reaching:
• Ecosystem stability: Healthy ecosystems provide essential services like clean air, water, food, and climate regulation. Biodiversity loss can disrupt these services, leading to negative consequences for human well-being.
• Genetic diversity: Each species represents a unique genetic code that has evolved over millions of years. This genetic diversity is crucial for adaptation to changing environments. Its loss reduces the resilience of ecosystems and species.
• Cultural and aesthetic value: Biodiversity contributes to the richness and beauty of our planet. It inspires art, culture, and spirituality.
  Addressing this crisis requires a global effort. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to:
• Protect and restore habitats: Create protected areas, implement sustainable land-use practices, and restore degraded ecosystems.
• Combat climate change: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• Reduce pollution: Implement stricter regulations, promote sustainable consumption, and invest in pollution control technologies.
• Promote sustainable practices: Support sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, and encourage responsible consumption.
• Raise awareness: Educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces.
  By taking decisive action, we can help mitigate the effects of human-induced biodiversity loss and ensure a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.
  

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