Extinction

Definition

• Extinction refers to the process in which a group of organisms fails to adapt to its environment, resulting in their inability to survive. It is a natural phenomenon that has occurred throughout Earth's history.

Mass Extinction Events

• Fossil records reveal several instances of mass extinction events in Earth's history. Following each event, biodiversity gradually increased as surviving organisms adapted to the altered environment.

Calculating Extinction Rates

• Scientists calculate the rate of extinction by examining the presence or absence of higher animals and birds. They compare current extinction rates with normal rates.
• This estimation helps assess the status of lesser-known organisms and species.

Human Impact on Extinction

• The spread and growth of the human population have contributed to an elevated extinction rate.
• Notably, the extinction of megafauna, such as woolly mammoths, coincided with the expansion of human populations.

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Extinction

Habitat Destruction

• One significant factor accelerating the current rate of species extinction is habitat destruction caused by human activities.
• The destruction of natural habitats disrupts ecosystems and endangers various species.

Summary