Lisäsukupuuttoja

Lisäsukupuuttoja, a Finnish term that translates to "additional extinctions" or "secondary extinctions," refers to the extinction of species that occurs as a consequence of the extinction of another species. This phenomenon arises from the interconnectedness of ecological systems. When a species disappears, it can disrupt the intricate web of life, leading to the decline and eventual extinction of other species that relied on it for survival.

These dependencies can manifest in various ways. For instance, a predator might go extinct if its primary prey species is wiped out. Similarly, a plant species could vanish if its sole pollinator disappears. Parasitic species are also vulnerable, as their hosts may cease to exist. The loss of a keystone species, one that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, can trigger a cascade of lisäsukupuuttoja, profoundly altering an entire ecosystem.

Human activities, such as habitat destruction, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species, are primary drivers of original extinctions. These initial losses then create the conditions for lisäsukupuuttoja, exacerbating the overall biodiversity crisis. Understanding and mitigating lisäsukupuuttoja is crucial for preserving ecosystem stability and the vital services they provide. Conservation efforts often focus on protecting entire ecosystems rather than individual species, recognizing that the fate of many species is intertwined.