What causes a species to become extinct?

Question 1

What is Background Extinction?

Answer 1

Common, slow, affects few species.

Causes include habitat change, competition, predation, disease, and small population.

Question 2

What are the causes of Background Extinction?

Answer 2

• Habitat change
• Competition
• Predation
• Disease
• Small population

Each factor contributes to the gradual decline of certain species.

Question 3

What is Mass Extinction?

Answer 3

Rare, rapid, affects many species.

It is characterized by significant loss of biodiversity in a short period.

Question 4

What are the causes of Mass Extinction?

Answer 4

• Disasters (asteroids, volcanoes)
• Global climate change

These events can drastically alter ecosystems and lead to widespread species loss.

Question 5

Give an example of Mass Extinction.

Answer 5

Asteroid → dinosaur extinction.

This event is one of the most well-known mass extinctions in Earth’s history.

Question 6

What is the current cause of Mass Extinction?

Answer 6

Caused by humans.

Human activities have accelerated the rate of extinction significantly.

Question 7

List some human activities that contribute to current Mass Extinction.

Answer 7

• Habitat destruction
• Pollution
• Invasive species

These activities disrupt ecosystems and threaten biodiversity.

Question 8

What is the possible result of current Mass Extinction by 2100?

Answer 8

50% of species extinct.

This alarming prediction underscores the urgency of conservation efforts.