There is a base way of extinction that happens as part of evolutionary systems. There are also extreme factors that contribute to mass-extinction events. Mankind is contributing to one of the newest mass events. Climate is changing so fast that habitats become inhabitable before species can adapt. Species can also fall prey to encroachment of habitats (via farming, cities, roadways or other modern development). The rapid movement of goods and people has also contributed to mass events. (White nose powder fungus contributed to a mass kill-off of bats. This may have spread rapidly by humans faster than bats could evolve defenses.) There are also cases of animals have evolved with minimal predators and thus have been simply killed off by humans for meat or sport.
The book mixes some general history of evolution with examples to raise the alarm about the negative impact of mankind on our world ecosystem. Evolution can lead to resilience. However, the species that are able to evolve the fastest are not necessarily the most beneficial. What are we to do?
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