>        Several possible reasons for species being "truly rare" were put
forth
>: 1) the "evolutionarily declining" species Hans Turner wrote about
>(which if evolution is truly the way species develop, most probably
>exist, perhaps in large numbers!),  ( some species  have developed
>methods for breeding even though they may have extremely low densities,
>so spp "at the end ot their time" could hold out for protracted periods
>in some cases!!) 2) species which live only in extremely uncommon
>habitats, 3) spp which have a very limited geographical distribution  ,
>and 4) species which are becomming endangered by non-evolutionary
>influences (such as human) - i am sure several other categories can be
>postulated also.
 
My only problem with this response is in 4).  Of course, this is only my
opinion and I fully realize some listeners may find offense, but ......
The fact that Homo sapiens is out-competing most other species on the
planet is indeed an evolutionary event, one of monumental proportions.
Let's not forget what we are and from whence we came.  We are an amazingly
efficient and successful species, arising just a few hundred thousand years
ago.  If another species accomplished what H. sapiens has accomplished (and
perhaps one has, but I have brain-lock right now) in that brief time, all
behaviorists, evolutionists, etc. would sit back in wonderment and awe.
 
Of course, what goes up, must come down.  We'll see what happens.
 
Hugs,
 
Kurt
 
Kurt