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Environment & Energy

xchrom

(108,903 posts) Fri Aug 31, 2012, 07:44 AM Aug 2012

'Spineless' animals under threat of extinction

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19422097

A fifth of animals without backbones could be at risk of extinction, say scientists.

Almost 80% of the world's species are invertebrates, meaning they lack a spinal column.

Reviewing over 12,000 species known to be threatened, biologists found that freshwater ones are most at risk.

Researchers urged for comprehensive studies of those vulnerable, to help inform conservation and protect species.