Question
What is extinction? Discuss the causes of the extinction of organisms.
Answer
Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from the Earth. It occurs when a species is unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions, or when it is unable to compete with other species for resources.
The main causes of extinction include:
- Habitat destruction: Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and mining have led to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats, which has resulted in the loss of many species.
- Climate change: Rising global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events due to climate change are leading to shifts in the distribution and abundance of many species. Some species may be able to adapt, but many are at risk of extinction.
- Overexploitation: Unsustainable use of natural resources, such as hunting, fishing, and logging, can lead to the depletion of populations of many species, making them vulnerable to extinction.
- Pollution: Pollution, including air, water, and soil pollution, can have significant impacts on biodiversity. Pollution can directly harm many species and their habitats, and can also disrupt ecosystem functioning, leading to indirect impacts on biodiversity.
