Depiction of Quetzalcoatlus by Mark Witton and Darren Naish.

In promoting his new film, naturalist Sir David Attenborough conducted an Ask Me Anything at Reddit. A few exchanges follow.

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Question:

What are your views on the thought that we are currently entering a “sixth mass extinction”? Do you think it is possible humans can reverse some of the damage that has already been done? Thank-you so much for everything!

David Attenborough:

Yes, I’m afraid we are. It’s not possible to reverse the damage we’ve done. We are undoubtedly exterminating species at a speed which has never been known before.

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Question:

Do you belieive it is ok to keep animals in captivity? Are there circumstances when animals should be taken from their natural habitat? I ask because I have morally struggled with the concept of zoo’s for most of my life.

David Attenborough:

There are some animals which have been kept happily in captivity, most of them are very small with small requirements. Big animals, unfortunately can’t be kept in captivity satisfactorily- predators most of all.

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Question:

Other than The Origin of Species which book do you think changed the scientific world most?

David Attenborough:

Probably in recent times, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.

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Question:

What’s one natural phenomenon that you still cannot believe is real, despite you knowing the science behind it?

David Attenborough:

The way a venus flower basket sponge puts together its skeleton.

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Question:

If you could bring just one animal back from extinction, what would it be and why?

David Attenborough:

Quetzal Coatlus – a giant pterosaur.

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Question:

I wanted to ask what course you think all life on this planet will take eventually? Do you see us surviving long?

David Attenborough:

We have many millions of years to go if we are to match the longevity of many species. Yes, I think we will get there, but perhaps our civilisation may actually become impoverished.″•