extinction – the permanent disappearance of a species

(Pronounced ex-tink-shun)

To remember the meaning of extinction, use the following mnemonic:

The term extinction is well known, so does not require a mnemonic to remember.

Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from earth when the last individual of that species dies. It can occur when a species cannot adopt quickly enough to changes in its environment, such as climate change, habitat destruction, disease, competition from other species, or natural disasters. Extinction can happen naturally over long periods of time as part of evolution, but human activities have dramatically increased the rate of extinction in recent centuries through deforestation, pollution, overhunting, and introducing invasive species. Once a species becomes extinct, it can not be brought back, which is why conservation efforts focus on protecting endangered species. Examples of extinct species include the dodo bird and dinosaurs, while current examples of endangered species that could face extinction include tigers, rhinos, and polar bears.