Browsing: Extinction

Extinction is the permanent loss of a species, marking the end of its evolutionary journey. It can occur naturally over long timescales, but human activity—through habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation—has dramatically accelerated extinction rates. Scientists study extinction to understand the dynamics of ecosystems, the resilience of species, and the long-term consequences of biodiversity loss. Research in this field sheds light on past mass extinctions, helps identify species at risk today, and informs conservation strategies aimed at preserving life’s diversity in the face of ongoing environmental change.