Robert W. Lee

In the following viewpoint, Robert W. Lee argues that scientists overstate the extinction problem by labeling species extinct when people no longer observe living specimens. However, the frequent rediscovery of living organisms previously labeled extinct, he claims, indicates that a classification system based solely on personal observation cannot adequately measure extinction rates. Furthermore, Lee asserts, when extinction does occur, it most likely improves the environment rather than harms it. Lee is a frequent contributor to New American, a conservative magazine.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Lee, how many coelacanths do “handwringers” now estimate exist?
2. What, according to the author, happened to the pair of newly discovered Edwards’ Pheasants once captured?
3. How was the pygmy blue-tongue lizard rediscovered, according to Lee"

The “rediscovery” of sundry species long...