decimate [ˈdesɪmeɪt]：v.大量毁灭；大大削弱

[Photo by Zhang Cheng/For chinadaily.com.cn]

When one species in the ecosystem disappears, it erodes the entire ecosystem and pushes other species toward annihilation. The researchers use amphibians as an example of this phenomena.

当生态系统中的一个物种消失时，它会破坏整个生态系统，并将其他物种推向灭绝。研究人员以两栖动物为例来说明这一现象。

annihilation [əˌnaɪəˈleɪʃn]：n.毁灭；溃败

Hundreds of species of frogs and toads are suffering population declines and extinctions because of the chytrid fungus disease, which is sometimes spread into new areas by humans. Climate change is likely making the issue worse.

由于壶菌病，数百种青蛙和蟾蜍的数量正在减少和灭绝。壶菌病有时会被人类传播到新的地区。气候变化可能会加剧这一影响。

This interdependency of different species is bad news for humans, too.

不同物种之间的相互依赖对人类来说也是个坏消息。

The researchers also said the current coronavirus crisis shows how the recklessness with which people treat the natural world can backfire badly. Many of the species that are endangered or at the brink of extinction are being decimated by wildlife trade.

研究人员还表示，目前的新冠病毒危机表明，人们对待自然界的鲁莽可能会严重地伤害自身。许多濒危物种正因野生动植物贸易而大量死亡。

【研究：第六次物种大灭绝进度比预想的快】相关文章：

★ 瑞银对自身风险缺乏监控

★ 《暮光4（下）》轻松登顶周末北美票房榜

★ 研究发现：人类大脑无法判断对方性别

★ 盘点2011-《时代》十大消费电子设备

★ 伊索寓言——狼 和 羊

★ 盘点2011-年度奇闻异事

★ 双语阅读：Old Testament

★ 克林顿拒绝中国推迟讨论南海问题的呼吁

★ 亚洲为何需要“亚盟”？

★ 中兴准备发力美国智能手机市场