Ecosystem collapse ‘inevitable’ unless wildlife losses reversed

Scientists studying the Permian-Triassic mass extinction find ecosystems can suddenly tip over

The steady destruction of wildlife can suddenly tip over into total ecosystem collapse, scientists studying the greatest mass extinction in Earth’s history have found.

Many scientists think the huge current losses of biodiversity are the start of a new mass extinction. But the new research shows total ecosystem collapse is “inevitable”, if the losses are not reversed, the scientists said.