Extinct

Extinct refers to a species, family, or larger group that has no living members. Extinction is not a rare event, as species regularly appear through speciation and disappear through extinction.

Causes of Extinction

There are several causes of extinction. These include habitat destruction, overhunting, disease, and climate change. In many cases, the cause of extinction is human activity. However, species can also go extinct due to natural events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and meteor impacts.

Habitat Destruction

Habitat destruction is a major cause of extinction. This can occur through deforestation, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. When a species' habitat is destroyed, it can no longer find the resources it needs to survive.

Overhunting

Overhunting is another major cause of extinction. This occurs when a species is hunted to the point where it can no longer sustain its population. Overhunting has led to the extinction of many species, including the passenger pigeon and the dodo.

Disease

Disease can also lead to extinction. This can occur when a new disease is introduced to a population, or when a disease mutates and becomes more deadly. Disease has led to the extinction of many species, including the Tasmanian tiger.

Climate Change

Climate change is a growing cause of extinction. As the climate changes, species that are unable to adapt to the new conditions may go extinct. This is particularly true for species that live in specific habitats, such as polar bears and coral reefs.

Conservation Efforts

There are many efforts to prevent extinction. These include conservation programs, protected areas, and laws to protect endangered species. However, these efforts are often not enough to prevent extinction.

See Also

• Endangered species
• Conservation biology
• Biodiversity

References

Extinct Resources
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