Background Information: The data in Table A represents the human population of the world, in millions. The data in Table B represents the number of birds and mammals that became extinct during each 50- year period. It is important to note that these are only the species known to have become extinct during that time. There may have been others that we do not know about. It is also very important to keep in mind that these are only the birds and mammals. Reptiles, fish, amphibians, insects, and plants are not included in the data. Loss of plants and insects can be especially important to ecosystem and, most likely, to mankind. No doubt you noticed that the rate of species loss has accelerated along with the growth in human population. This makes sense, because as human populations grow, they will have more and more impact on their ecosystems. Species have been becoming extinct for as long as organisms have been evolving on the earth. Some scientists estimate that the average rate of vertebrate extinctions over the last 200 million years has been about 90 species per century or slightly less than one per year. The data in the table shows that in the 50 years between 1900 ano 1950, about 124 species of birds and mammals became extinct, when other vertebrates are included, it is easy to see that the race of vertebrate extinctions has nearly tripled the historical average. The data is even more alarming when one considers plants and invertebrates. Some scientists estimate that we are lasing at least one species per day. The loss of plants s especially important because many animals are cependent on specific species of plants so if the plant becomes extinde so will some species or animals. There are even estimates that the annua rate of loss may acce erate and we could lose 50% of all species by the year 2100. There are several reasons for this a arming loss of species. Even today, some species undoubtedly become extinct due to natural causes, but most are due to human activities. Some of these numan activities include habitat loss, pollution, commercial & sport hunting, competition with invas ve species, pest control and the pet trade. It is important to rea lze that many extinctions are caused by combinations of these factors. Also, the percentages and causes may change with time. Does the data in tables A and B prove that the increase of extinctions is due to the increase in human population?