[fso301]

I never really bought into the line that the passenger pigeon was hunted to extinction any more than I believe logging wiped out the American chestnuts.

[Theoria]

Logging didn't wipe out the chestnut. We can thank blight[some folks are trying to bring them back].

I often read the repeated line that a squirrel could have traveled from Georgia to Maine via chestnut tree and never touch the ground.

Nice little Appalachian trail for squirrels.

[chessplayer]

I never really bought into the line that the passenger pigeon was hunted to extinction any more than I believe logging wiped out the American chestnuts.

---

And the moon is made of cheese. Don’t let them traitorous, muzzy, commie scientists try to convince you it’s not.

[Foundahardheadedwoman]

“I never really bought into the line that the passenger pigeon was hunted to extinction any more than I believe logging wiped out the American chestnuts.”
___________________________________________________

When the first pioneers came into our mountains, they thought they were snow covered because of the blooms on them. I remember eating chestnuts as a child.

What killed the American chestnut was a bug or virus, I can’t remember which. The Forestry Service is trying with some success to cross it with the Chinese chestnut which has a natural resistance to the bug or virus. I hope they can bring it back, it was good eating.

[fhayek]

Species, for good or bad, have limited times of existence. When conditions in their habitat change, and individuals of the species are unable to adapt, then extinction is possible. I am a bird lover, to a certain degree, but I don't wring my hands and point an accusatory finger at mankind. These birds traveled in flocks that may have numbered a billion. When they roosted in trees, branches would often break due to the weight. Is it not possible that their activities (eating, roosting, bird droppings) had an ecological effect? Their passing, more than likely, paved the way for a different species to take hold, a species more suited to the new conditions.

The extinction of the the dinosaurs ultimately led to the emergence of man.