Extinction

Definition

Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from Earth. It results in the permanent loss of biodiversity and can be caused by natural events or human activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extinction rates have significantly increased due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation.
2. There are different types of extinction, including background extinction (natural low rates) and mass extinctions (high rates in short periods).
3. The IUCN Red List categorizes species based on their risk of extinction, ranging from Least Concern to Extinct.
4. Conservation biology aims to prevent extinctions through efforts like habitat restoration and legal protection.
5. The loss of keystone species through extinction can lead to cascading effects that impact entire ecosystems.

Review Questions

• What are some human activities that contribute to increased extinction rates?
• How does conservation biology help in preventing extinctions?
• What is the significance of the IUCN Red List in understanding species' risk of extinction?

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in all its forms and levels, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Endangered Species: Species at a high risk of becoming extinct in the near future.

Habitat Destruction: The process by which natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species.