Applying science across the curriculum. (Trends: Science)

Two extinctions are imminent. One will be tragic. The other is long overdue.

The species we'll miss is Myxine glutinosa, or the hagfish, which scavenges the ocean bottom for carrion. Myxine is losing its niche partly because of natural pressure. Bony fishes have surpassed it in predatory and reproductive proficiency. Human influence, however, also plays a part in this pending extinction. Tankship mishaps have caused crude oil silt to accumulate on the ocean floor, thereby degrading Myxine's habitat.

The other doomed creature is Educatorus isolationa, an educational hermit species oblivious to topics beyond the realm of a particular discipline. Natural pressures on Educatorus have included the information explosion, along with a recent onslaught of highly evolved educational ideas. …