Species Coextinctions and the Biodiversity Crisis
University of Connecticut · University of Alberta · +3 more institutions
Abstract
To assess the coextinction of species (the loss of a species upon the loss of another), we present a probabilistic model, scaled with empirical data. The model examines the relationship between coextinction levels (proportion of species extinct) of affiliates and their hosts across a wide range of coevolved interspecific systems: pollinating Ficus wasps and Ficus, parasites and their hosts, butterflies and their larval host plants, and ant butterflies and their host ants. Applying a nomographic method based on mean host specificity (number of host species per affiliate species), we estimate that 6300 affiliate species are "coendangered" with host species currently listed as endangered. Current extinction…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 23.44
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 16
Authors
6- LPLian Pin KohCorresponding
University of Connecticut, University of Alberta, National University of Singapore, Curtin University, University of Glasgow
- RRRobert R. DunnCorresponding
University of Connecticut, University of Alberta, National University of Singapore, Curtin University, University of Glasgow
- NSNavjot S. SodhiCorresponding
University of Connecticut, University of Alberta, National University of Singapore, Curtin University, University of Glasgow
- RKRobert K. Colwell
University of Connecticut, University of Alberta, National University of Singapore, Curtin University, University of Glasgow
- HCH. C. Proctor
University of Connecticut, University of Alberta, National University of Singapore, Curtin University, University of Glasgow
Topics & keywords
- Host (biology)
- Biology
- Endangered species
- Range (aeronautics)
- Ecology
- Biodiversity
- Extinction (optical mineralogy)
- Host specificity
- Life in Land