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Abstract
ABSTRACT Many extinct species have had profound effects on other species through their interactions. In themselves, these interactions or functions are an integral part of biodiversity. The influence of species upon others operates in a variety of ways, independently or synchronously, and includes dispersal, habitat creation and maintenance, provision of nutrients or food resources, and reduction in competition from other species. In particular, large and/or abundant vertebrates that are now extinct or threatened have contributed to extensive environmental heterogeneity. This heterogeneity, or diversity, found in the form of spatial and temporal patches, has generally increased biodiversity. Loss of these vertebrates has major impacts on the species left behind. These impacts range from extinction to various levels of decline. The extinct and extirpated species discussed include the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius), Carolina Parakeet (Conuropsis caroliniensis), Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), American Bison (Bison bison), bears (Ursus spp.), Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), gophers (Thomomys spp.), Elephants (Loxodonta africana), White Rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) and the Pleistocene megafauna including mammoths (Mammuthus spp.), horses (Equus spp.), camels (Camelops spp.), and Ground Sloths (Nothrotheriops shastense).
Published Version
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