sueddeutsche.de
Older Animals Crucial for Ecosystem Stability, but Over-Targeted by Humans
A study of 9000 publications shows older animals across species significantly improve offspring survival and population stability; however, human activities disproportionately target older animals, threatening ecosystem balance.
- What is the significant contribution of older animals to ecosystem stability and species survival?
- A study of over 9000 publications revealed that older animals across all groups (fish, birds, mammals) significantly contribute to population stability and species survival by successfully raising offspring. Their experience and knowledge increase offspring survival rates, a previously underestimated factor.
- How do the social roles of older animals, particularly in long-lived species, affect population dynamics?
- This contribution is particularly valuable in long-lived species like elephants and whales, where older animals accumulate knowledge over long periods, improving survival chances for multiple generations. Older females often choose older males as partners; these males lead migrations and regulate social structures, impacting group survival.
- What are the consequences of the disproportionate targeting of older animals by humans, and how should conservation strategies adapt?
- The overfishing of large fish has drastically reduced older animal populations in over 80% of marine ecosystems. The loss of these experienced individuals, especially matriarchs and leaders, severely impacts population stability. Conservation efforts must prioritize maintaining age diversity, including the 'preservation of longevity' as a protection category.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the positive contributions of older animals, potentially leading readers to overlook other factors influencing ecosystem stability and species survival. The headline and introduction strongly highlight the benefits of older animals, setting a positive tone that might overshadow potential nuances.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and emphasizes the value of older animals, using terms like 'wise leadership' and 'exponentially more offspring'. While descriptive, these terms aren't overtly biased but could be made more neutral (e.g., 'experienced leadership', 'significantly more offspring').
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the positive contributions of older animals, potentially omitting negative impacts they might have on younger generations or the ecosystem. While acknowledging the value of older animals, a balanced perspective considering potential downsides would strengthen the article.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the relationship between age and animal contribution. It emphasizes the benefits of older animals without fully exploring the complexities of population dynamics and the roles of animals at different life stages.
Gender Bias
The article uses gendered language (e.g., 'older males as partners', 'matriarchines') but doesn't appear to exhibit significant gender bias in its overall analysis or presentation of data. The focus is on age, not gender, as the primary factor affecting animal contribution.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights that older animals, particularly those with high life expectancy, play a crucial role in ecosystem stability and species survival. Human activities, such as hunting and fishing, disproportionately target older animals, leading to the loss of crucial knowledge, leadership, and reproductive capacity within populations. This negatively impacts the long-term health and stability of ecosystems and species populations. The loss of older animals disrupts established social structures, reduces reproductive success, and diminishes the overall resilience of populations to environmental changes.