Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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
Extinction rates have significantly increased due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation.
There are different types of extinction, including background extinction (natural low rates) and mass extinctions (high rates in short periods).
The IUCN Red List categorizes species based on their risk of extinction, ranging from Least Concern to Extinct.
Conservation biology aims to prevent extinctions through efforts like habitat restoration and legal protection.
The loss of keystone species through extinction can lead to cascading effects that impact entire ecosystems.
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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.