Extinction

Definition

Extinction occurs when a species completely disappears from Earth; there are no individuals left alive anywhere on the planet.

Related terms

Endangered Species: A species that is at risk of extinction because of a sudden rapid decrease in its population or a loss of its critical habitat.

Biodiversity Loss: The decrease in the variety of life forms within an ecosystem, biome or entire planet.

Mass Extinction: An event where a significant proportion of species on Earth die out in a relatively short period.