Will Rats Ever Go Extinct?
WouterDespite their size, rats are not the worst creatures to ever be extinct. Some researchers have argued that if the world were destroyed by a nuclear war, rats could become extinct, but others say they are not likely. A recent study suggests that climate change may actually help them thrive. More temperate temperatures may cause some species of rats to grow larger, which would boost their population.
Rats have their place in the ecosystem. They are scavengers and opportunistic eaters. They feed on garbage and other waste. Their wide range and ability to adapt to different environmental conditions make them unlikely to become extinct. The rat is one of the most beneficial creatures to humans, and many people would want it to stay. If rats were extinct, it would mean a drastic change in life on Earth.
In recent years, scientists have attempted to revive the Christmas Island rat. Although the species hasn’t been seen in the wild in more than a century, geneticists have been working to reintroduce it from its Indian Ocean home. It’s not clear whether these efforts will be successful, but they certainly raise ethical issues.
In the 1970s, intensive agriculture was introduced to the area. This changed the food and habitat for the rat. But researchers recently found a rat in traps in the area, which they had never seen before. They studied it and compared it to photos and museum specimens. The research team hopes to use the information to improve conservation efforts.
