Extinction

Extinction occurs when a species no longer has any living individuals on Earth.
It is a permanent loss that cannot be reversed.
We know that extinct organisms once existed because of fossils - preserved remains of organisms buried underground.
There are several factors that can contribute to extinction:
- Habitat loss: Destruction or degradation of habitats, such as deforestation or pollution, can lead to extinction.
- Climate change: Changes in climate patterns can make it difficult for species to adapt or find suitable habitats.
- Overexploitation: Overhunting, overfishing, or excessive harvesting can deplete populations and lead to extinction.
- Introduction of invasive species: Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources and lead to their decline.
- Disease: Outbreaks of diseases can devastate populations, especially if they are not resistant.

The dodo: This flightless bird, native to Mauritius, became extinct due to hunting and the introduction of invasive species.
Dinosaurs: The extinction of dinosaurs is believed to have been caused by a massive asteroid impact that led to significant environmental changes, coupled with the evolution of the remaining dinosaurs into birds.

The dodo

Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
To prevent extinction and preserve biodiversity, we must:
- Protect habitats: Conserve forests, wetlands, and other natural areas.
- Reduce pollution and combat climate change: Minimize pollution to protect ecosystems and reduce the impact on species. Take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the effects of climate change.
- Control invasive species: Prevent the introduction of invasive species and manage existing populations.
- Support efforts to conserve species and ecosystems
- Use gene banks: These are facilities that store genetic material, such as seeds, pollen, or DNA samples, from various species. These banks are crucial for preserving biodiversity and can be used for research, breeding programs, and potentially reviving extinct species in the future.

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