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
The probability of extinction refers to the likelihood that a species will become extinct in a given time period due to various factors such as habitat loss, climate change, or competition.
The variety and abundance of different species in an ecosystem.
Endangered species: Species that are at risk of becoming extinct due to low population numbers or threats to their habitat.
Extinction event: A significant event that causes the widespread disappearance of many species within a relatively short period of time, often due to natural disasters or human activities.