Extinction and Overpopulation

Extinction and Overpopulation are too huge issues that the human race faces today. to be honest a large part of me isn't particularly concerned with extinction of certain species because it is natural selection. Animals have been dying, going extinct, and evolving for hundreds of millions of years. The only reason it is different now is because humans have morality and compassion that sets up apart from any other species. Because we are so superior, we view it as our duty to save other species.


          Not only do we need to address the populations of other organisms, but humanity must look at our own exponential growth and resource depletion. Every resource is scarce and Earth will either slowly perish from pollution, or we can save it and make our best attempt to reverse the centuries of damage that have already been done. The third option ,however, is relocation of the human population to other earth-like planets. Only time will tell what will happen.


         The human race isn't the only species that has dangerous exponential growth. About two decades ago a handful of lionfish were released of the eastern coast of the united states. Lionfish themselves are harmless; however, they have several venomous spikes projected from their body. This defense is so insurmountable that lionfish have absolutely no natural predators. What happens when a species has no natural predator and inhabits the perfect environment? Exponential growth. Population densities continue to increase in the invaded areas, resulting in a population boom of up to 700% in some areas between 2004 and 2008. What's even worse is that lionfish will eat almost anything. They gorge and overeat to the point of liver disease. They are one of the most aggressive invasive species and have destroyed 90% of the biodiversity on the eastern coast, the gulf, and the Caribbean.