Explaining Extinction: The End of a Species

What is it?

Extinction is the complete and permanent termination of a species or a group of organisms. When a species goes extinct, all its individual members have died, and it can no longer reproduce. While it is a natural part of evolution—over 99% of all species that have ever lived are now extinct—the rate at which it is happening today is a major concern. The most famous example is the mass extinction event that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs about 66 million years ago, but countless other species have vanished throughout Earth's history due to factors like climate shifts, volcanic activity, or competition.

Why is it trending?

Extinction is trending due to the alarming rate of biodiversity loss, which many scientists are calling the planet's sixth mass extinction event. Unlike past events, this one is overwhelmingly driven by human activities. Habitat destruction for agriculture and urbanization, pollution, the introduction of invasive species, and global climate change are pushing thousands of species towards the brink. Reports from organizations like the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) regularly highlight the accelerating crisis, bringing global attention to the urgent need for conservation efforts.

How does it affect people?

The loss of species has profound effects on people. Healthy ecosystems, rich in biodiversity, provide essential services we depend on, such as clean air and water, pollination for our crops, soil fertility, and natural pest control. As species disappear, these ecosystems can become destabilized and less resilient, threatening our food security, health, and economies. Furthermore, many modern medicines are derived from natural compounds found in plants and animals, and losing species means losing potential cures for human diseases.

Discover another trend: Plantae: The Kingdom That Sustains Us