Extinction

Define extinction, and provide examples of species that have become extinct.
Describe the main causes of extinction, including habitat loss, climate change, overexploitation, invasive species, and disease.
Explain the importance of biodiversity and describe methods used to prevent extinction and preserve the variety of life on Earth, such as protecting habitats and using gene banks.

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.

Extinction: When all individuals of a species have died out, and it no longer exists on Earth.
Species: A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
Habitat loss: The destruction or degradation of an organism's natural living place, a major cause of extinction.
Climate change: Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which can make environments unsuitable for species.
Overexploitation: The unsustainable use of a species, such as overhunting or overfishing, leading to population decline.
Invasive species: Non-native species introduced to an ecosystem that can outcompete native species for resources.
Disease: Illnesses that can significantly reduce the population size of a species, potentially leading to extinction.
Biodiversity: The variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, which is important for ecosystem health.
Gene banks: Facilities that store genetic material (like seeds, sperm, eggs, or DNA) from different species to preserve genetic diversity.

Research current conservation efforts focused on protecting endangered species or specific habitats and discuss the challenges involved in these projects.
Investigate the concept of "mass extinction events" throughout Earth's history, looking at when they occurred and what scientists believe caused these periods of widespread species loss.