Extinction
A type of organism that is the basic unit of classification. Individuals of different species are not able to interbreed successfully. are extinct if there are no living individuals left.
Extinction happens if a species fails to adapt to changes in its environment.
Fossils have provided us with information on some extinct species.
Extinct species include dinosaurs (caused by a meteor strike) and dodos (hunted by humans).
Species that are at risk of becoming extinct are known as endangered.
A species can become extinct for many reasons, including:
- Climate change.
- Natural disaster.
- Hunted by humans.
- Hunted by non-native animals (introduced by humans).
- Disease.
- Loss of habitat (e.g. deforestation).
Extinction can be avoided by:
- Legislation preventing the hunting of endangered species.
- International agreements, including those that plan to limit climate change.
- Special programmes such as creating nature reserves to protect habitats.
- Education that encourages people to do their part in protecting the environment.