What is extinction?
Extinction happens when the last animal or plant of a species dies. When a species is extinct, it is gone forever and can never come back. Some animals, like the dinosaurs, became extinct a very long time ago.
Key idea
A species is extinct when every member of that species has died and none are left on Earth.
Why do species become extinct?
Many things can threaten animals and plants. Cutting down forests takes away their homes. Hunting and over-fishing kill too many of them. Pollution makes their water and air dirty. When the weather changes too much, some living things cannot survive.
- Loss of habitat (forests cut down)
- Too much hunting and fishing
- Pollution of land, water and air
How can we help?
We can protect species by keeping forests safe, making laws against hunting, and setting up parks where animals are safe. Zoos and seed banks also help to keep species alive for the future. We can also plant more trees, keep rivers clean, and learn about the animals and plants that live near us so we know how to care for them.
Remember
- Extinct means gone forever.
- People often cause extinction.
- Protecting habitats saves species.