Figure 2 shows the percentage (%) survival of large mammal species in four areas of the world. The time at which humans first appeared in each of the four areas is also shown. A mass extinction is a rapid decrease in biodiversity on Earth. A student stated: ‘The data in Figure 2 shows that humans caused mass extinctions.’ Evaluate the student’s statement. – 7065

One thought on “Figure 2 shows the percentage (%) survival of large mammal species in four areas of the world. The time at which humans first appeared in each of the four areas is also shown. A mass extinction is a rapid decrease in biodiversity on Earth. A student stated: ‘The data in Figure 2 shows that humans caused mass extinctions.’ Evaluate the student’s statement. – 7065”

1. Supporting the statement:

   In some places, the drop in large mammal numbers was bigger.

   The decrease happened after humans arrived in those areas.

   The times of decline are different in each place, so it’s not likely because of one worldwide event like climate change, a meteor strike, or a volcano.

   In some places, the drop wasn’t straight away — it got worse as human numbers grew.

   Not supporting the statement:

   The data only shows large mammals, not other species.

   Just because the drop happened after humans came doesn’t prove humans caused it.

   There were still some left, so it wasn’t a total extinction.

   It could have been other causes — like changes in climate, predators, diseases, or less food.

   In Africa, the decrease after humans came was small.

   In Madagascar, the decrease was slow.

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