Why Do Extinctions Happen?

The Causes of Extinctions

Extinction occurs when the last members of a species disappear forever. This can happen for a variety of reasons, both natural and man-made. One of the main natural causes of extinction is environmental changes. This can include changes in climate, habitat destruction, natural disasters, and competition with other species. Additionally, genetic factors and disease can also play a role in causing a species to go extinct.

On the other hand, human activities have also contributed significantly to the extinction of many species. Deforestation, pollution, over-hunting, and climate change caused by human activities have all led to the decline and eventual extinction of certain plants and animals.

Examples of Extinction

One of the most well-known examples of human-caused extinction is the dodo bird, which went extinct in the 17th century due to hunting and habitat destruction. Another example is the passenger pigeon, which was once one of the most numerous bird species in North America but went extinct in the early 20th century due to over-hunting and habitat loss.

Unfortunately, extinctions continue to happen today. Endangered species such as the black rhinoceros and the orangutan are at risk of disappearing forever if action is not taken to protect them and their habitats.