Answer :
Final answer:
The exact number of species that go extinct every day is difficult to quantify, but scientists estimate it could be in the hundreds. Estimates are based on extrapolations from known data and consider factors like recent descriptions of extinct species from skeletal remains and undeclared likely extinctions. It's believed that current extinction rates are 500-1000 times the historical background rate.
Explanation:
The estimated rate of species extinction varies substantially due to the complexities involved in measuring this phenomenon. Nonetheless, extinction rates are suggested to be significantly higher than the historical 'background' rates due to human activities and environmental changes. According to the available data, it's difficult to pinpoint an exact number of species going extinct per day, however, scientists believe that hundreds of species might be getting extinct daily.
One method used for estimating the extinction rate builds upon the recorded extinctions since the year 1500. This method, when applied to birds, produces an estimate of about 26 extinctions per million species years (E/MSY). This estimated value might be an underestimation due to multiple reasons including late description of many species, recent descriptions of extinct species from skeletal remains, and some species possibly being extinct despite not formally declared so. This factors bring the estimated extinction rate closer to 100 E/MSY.
The biodiversity loss ensuing from such high extinction rates is of great concern, as species extinctions are currently considered to be 500-1000 times higher compared to the background rate of extinction, leading to a steep decline in global biodiversity. It is important to note that many of the species we know and regard as endangered today may become extinct, in addition to countless species that have not even been discovered or described yet.
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