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Half of life on Earth gone since humans arrived

Life on Earth - Level 4

Humans are just 0.01% of all life on Earth, but have destroyed 83% of all wild mammals and half of our plant life. A new study found the weight of every kind of life form on Earth. A researcher explained how the research started. He said: "I was shocked to find there wasn't already a comprehensive...estimate of all the different components of biomass." He hopes the study will help people understand the dominant role that humans now play on Earth.

There are 7.6 billion people on Earth. We share the same level of biomass as termites. We have also managed to destroy many living species. Humans have also changed the ratio of livestock to wild animals. Today, 70% of all birds on Earth are farmed (mostly chickens). Around 60% of all mammals on Earth are livestock (mostly cattle and pigs); only 4% are wild animals. The professor said people should look more carefully at what they eat.

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Life on Earth - Level 5

Humans are only a tiny fraction of all life on Earth, but have destroyed 83% of all wild mammals and half of our plant life. This is according to a new study from Israel. The ground-breaking report is the first look into the weight of every kind of creature and life form on Earth. Researcher Professor Ron Milo explained what started the research. He said: "I was shocked to find there wasn't already a comprehensive, holistic estimate of all the different components of biomass." He hopes the study will provide a perspective on the very dominant role that humans now play on Earth.

There are 7.6 billion people on Earth, which is just 0.01% of all living things. This is the same percentage as for termites. Since we began walking on this planet, we have managed to cause the loss of most of its living species. Humans have also greatly changed the ratios of livestock to wild animals. Today, farmed birds (mostly chickens) make up 70% of all birds on Earth. Similarly, 60% of all mammals on Earth are livestock (mostly cattle and pigs), while just 4% are wild animals. Professor Milo hopes people will look more carefully at what they consume, and eat less meat.

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Life on Earth - Level 6

Humans represent a tiny fraction of all life on Earth, but are responsible for the destruction of 83 per cent of all wild mammals and half of our plant life. This is the analysis of a new study from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. The ground-breaking report is the first investigation into the weight of every class of creature and life form on our planet. Lead researcher Professor Ron Milo explained what instigated the research. He said: "I was shocked to find there wasn't already a comprehensive, holistic estimate of all the different components of biomass." He hopes the study will provide, "a perspective on the very dominant role that humanity now plays on Earth".

There are 7.6 billion people on Earth, but they represent just 0.01% of all living things. Scientists say that is the same percentage as for termites. However, since we began walking on this planet, we have managed to cause the loss of most of its living species. Humans have also greatly changed the ratios of livestock to wild animals. Today, farmed poultry (mostly chickens) makes up 70% of all birds on the planet, with just 30% of birds being wild. Similarly, 60% of all mammals on Earth are livestock (mostly cattle and pigs), while just 4% are wild animals. Professor Milo hopes people will use his study, "as part of their world view [and] of how they consume" He said he hopes people will eat less meat.

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25 online activities    |    27-page printable    |    2-page mini-lesson