November 12, 2014 - 16:57
Before you read this summary know:
The Great Auk: a penguin-like bird last seen in Iceland, but known to have lived in Norway, Newfoundland, and “from Italy to Florida” (page 57-58). It is now considered extinct.
Natural Selection: the process by “a species of plant or animal might, over time, give way to a new one,” (page 53)
Okay, now that that’s out of the way:
This Chapter explores the lasting effects the cruelty of humans can have on a once populous species. By placing Lyell and Darwin’s theories regarding natural selection and evidence regarding the depletion of the great auk side-by-side, Kolbert invites the reader to compare the “imperceptibly slow” process of natural selection with the extinction of the great auk, which went from plentiful to extinct in the short time from the medieval era to 1844. Through this evidence, and gruesome accounts regarding the treatment of the auk, Kolbert suggests that humans are greatly accelerating the extinction speed of species, rather than letting them disappear slowly through natural selection.
So how can we relate this to what we’ve already read?
Kolbert and Ravens at Play: both agree that humans cause destruction to other orgainisms on this planet. Kolbert, however, highlights intentional destruction in this chapter (with the violent, sport killings of the auks) and Stuart cautions people against unintentionally disrupting the environment by highlighting the complexity of interspecies interactions and the issues that arises.
Kolbert and. Teju Cole: Both agree that humans are destructive to others. Cole, however, like Stuart, focuses on the unintentional destruction of white humans to other societies around the globe, and Kolbert focuses on the effects humans have on animals, specifically the auks. Moreover, Cole offers a solution to this issue by suggesting that those who feel inclined to help educate themselves and address issues at home first rather than beginning ignorantly abroad, however, Kolbert does not offer a solution to the issue, she merely provides evidence which she intends to lead the reader to the conclusion she desires, for us to realize our own destructive nature.
All three authors desire humans to become aware of their destructive nature.