Ekstinktsioon

Ekstinktsioon is a term used in biology and paleontology to describe the complete disappearance of a species or a higher taxonomic group from Earth. It signifies the end of a lineage, meaning no individuals of that particular group remain alive anywhere in the world. This can occur at various scales, from the extinction of a single species to mass extinction events that wipe out a large percentage of all life on Earth.

The causes of extinction are diverse and can include environmental changes, such as climate shifts, volcanic activity, or asteroid impacts, as well as biological factors like competition, disease, or the introduction of invasive species. When a species becomes extinct, it leaves an empty ecological niche that can be filled by other species or remain vacant.

Paleontologists study the fossil record to understand past extinction events and their impact on the history of life. Biologists continue to monitor current extinction rates, as many species are currently facing threats from human activities, leading to concerns about a potential ongoing mass extinction event. The loss of biodiversity through extinction can have profound and long-lasting consequences for ecosystems and the services they provide.