Humans represent tiny fraction of all life on Earth, but are responsible for destruction of 83 per cent of all wild mammals and half of our plant life. This is analysis of new study from Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. ground-breaking report is first investigation into the weight of every class of creature and life form on our planet. Lead researcher Professor Ron Milo explained what instigated research. He said: "I was shocked to find there wasn't already comprehensive, holistic estimate of all different components of biomass." He hopes the study will provide, " 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 same percentage as for termites. However, since we began walking on this planet, we have managed to cause loss of most of its living species. Humans have also greatly changed ratios of livestock to wild animals. Today, farmed poultry (mostly chickens) makes up 70% of all birds on 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.
