Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An extinction event refers to a significant and widespread loss of species on Earth, leading to the extinction of various organisms. These events can occur due to natural factors like climate change or catastrophic events such as asteroid impacts.
A mass extinction is an extreme form of an extinction event where a large number of species become extinct within a relatively short period. (e.g., Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction)
The fossil record consists of all the preserved remains or traces of ancient life found in rocks and sedimentary layers. It provides evidence for past extinctions and evolution.
Endangered Species: Endangered species are organisms that face a high risk of becoming extinct in the near future if their population continues to decline. They require special protection measures to ensure their survival.