What is Extinction?
Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species or a group of species. It occurs when the last individual of a species dies, marking the end of that species’ existence on Earth. Extinction can be caused by natural processes or human activities, and it has been a part of the planet’s history since life first emerged.
Types of Extinction
- Natural Extinction: This occurs when a species cannot adapt to changes in its environment or when it is outcompeted by other species.
- Anthropogenic Extinction: This is extinction caused by human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, hunting, and climate change.
Examples of Extinction
One of the most well-known examples of extinction is the dodo, a flightless bird that went extinct in the 17th century due to hunting and habitat destruction. Another example is the passenger pigeon, which was once one of the most abundant birds in North America but went extinct in the early 20th century due to overhunting.
Case Studies
One of the most recent and alarming cases of extinction is the decline of the vaquita, a small porpoise species native to the Gulf of California. The vaquita is facing extinction due to bycatch in illegal fishing operations, with only an estimated 10 individuals left in the wild.
Statistics on Extinction
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, over 27,000 species are currently threatened with extinction worldwide. This includes mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and plants. The rate of extinction is also accelerating due to human activities, with experts estimating that we are currently experiencing a mass extinction event.
