After completing this data cleaning and analyzing processes, I realized the importance of data visualization. Since this dataset had a complex set of data and also an abundance of information. I downloaded the dataset from the IUCN Red List (https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/summary-statistics), which mainly recorded the changes in numbers of species in assessment or threaten statistics in recent 20 years. The main specifications of this data include vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and fungi & protists. From the data and graphics, I have found a dramatic increase from 2000 to 2020 in the total numbers.
<Figure 1. Changes of the numbers of species in recent 20 years>
Moreover, I noticed that vertebrates have the largest growth of numbers, and I decided to focus on the changes in assessment and threatened numbers of vertebrates. I created a timeline graphic in order to see the changes of each species more clearly. Fortunately, the numbers of assessed species are increasing, which proved that human attached importance to the diversity of species. Of all the vertebrate species, fishes have been evaluated the most.
<Figure 2. Total assessed numbers of vertebrates>
<Figure 3. Total numbers of threatened vertebrates>
<Figure 4. The increasing rate in numbers of threatened vertebrates>
It can be seen from the growth rate graphic that between 2003 and 2007, the numbers of threatened vertebrates increased significantly, especially fishes and amphibians. There are some speculations related to global climates and human activities. According to the reports from NOAA (National Centers for Environmental Information), extreme drought or heavy precipitation had occurred in most parts of the world in 2005, which might become one of the reasons that affected the numbers of threatened species.
My dataset contains Change Story and Comparison Story. Moreover, I believe that this data can be related to some Personal Story. According to the changes and comparisons through the data, we can learn the significance of biodiversity, and we can strongly affect these numbers. The discovery and disappearance of each species is worth our thinking.
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