Extinction - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Extinction is the term used to describe the permanent loss of a species from the planet. When a species becomes extinct, it means that no individuals of that species are left alive anywhere in the world. This can happen due to factors like changes in the environment, loss of habitat, overhunting, or diseases that spread rapidly among the species. Extinction is a natural process, but human activities have increased the rate at which many species are disappearing. Understanding extinction is important because it affects biodiversity and ecosystems, which are crucial for the health of our planet.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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