CAUSES OF EXTINCTION

biodiversity

refers to the variety of life-forms that thrive on Earth

extinction

the dying out or extermination of a species. it occurs when species are diminished because of environmental forces

extinct organisms

species that no longer exist

endangered organisms

species that are in immediate danger of extinction (about to die out)

natural causes of extinction

climate change, changes in sea levels/currents, asteroids/cosmic radiation

climate change

long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns

changes in sea levels or currents

the increased levels of freshwater due to the melting of ice caps and displacement of water due to shifting of ocean floor

asteroids/cosmic radiation

small rocky celestial bodies that can cause massive destruction when it hits Earth. it can wipe out an entire population of species. exposure to this can cause mutation of genes

anthropogenic causes of extinction (anthro = human)

habit destruction, invasive species, pollution, diseases and parasitism, overexploitation

habit destruction

considered as the major source of species extinction that occurs both on land and in water

invasive species

these are organisms that are not naturally from one particular environment or habitat

pollution

the introduction of harmful chemicals and compounds to the environment

diseases and parasitism

these can weaken organisms and interfere with their metabolic (digestive) functions

overexploitation

this occurs when harvesting exceeds reproduction of wild plant and animal species