Extinct species
- Species extinction
- Failure to preserve species
- Loss of species
Nature
Extinct species are organisms that no longer exist anywhere on Earth, representing a significant environmental problem. Extinction disrupts ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and can destabilize food chains. Human activities—such as habitat destruction, pollution, overhunting, and climate change—have accelerated extinction rates far beyond natural background levels. The loss of species diminishes genetic diversity, undermines ecosystem services, and limits potential scientific discoveries. Addressing the extinction crisis is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the health of the planet for future generations.
Background
The global significance of extinct species emerged in the 19th century with the discovery of fossil records and the realization that human activity could drive species loss, as exemplified by the extinction of the dodo and the passenger pigeon. Scientific concern intensified in the 20th century, as biodiversity loss was linked to habitat destruction and overexploitation, prompting international efforts such as the IUCN Red List and the Convention on Biological Diversity to monitor and address extinction rates.
Incidence
The rate of species extinction has accelerated dramatically in recent decades, with current estimates suggesting that up to one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction globally. Human activities such as habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change have driven extinction rates to levels at least tens to hundreds of times higher than the natural background rate, affecting ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean.
In 2020, the Chinese paddlefish (Psephurus gladius), once native to the Yangtze River, was officially declared extinct after exhaustive surveys failed to locate any individuals. Its disappearance highlights the ongoing loss of unique species due to overfishing and habitat fragmentation.
In 2020, the Chinese paddlefish (Psephurus gladius), once native to the Yangtze River, was officially declared extinct after exhaustive surveys failed to locate any individuals. Its disappearance highlights the ongoing loss of unique species due to overfishing and habitat fragmentation.
Claim
The extinction of species is a critical crisis that demands urgent attention. Every lost species weakens our planet’s ecosystems, disrupts food chains, and erases irreplaceable genetic diversity. Human activities are accelerating this tragedy, and ignoring it is both irresponsible and dangerous. We must act now to protect endangered species, or we risk catastrophic consequences for nature and humanity alike. Extinction is irreversible—our inaction today will haunt future generations forever.
Counter-claim
The extinction of species is not an important problem at all. Nature has always evolved through the survival of the fittest, and species have come and gone for millions of years. Human progress and development should take priority over worrying about every animal or plant that disappears. Resources spent on conservation could be better used elsewhere, as extinction is simply a natural part of life’s ongoing cycle, not a crisis demanding urgent attention.
Broader
Narrower
Web link
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(B) Basic universal problems
Biological classification
N/A
Content quality
Unpresentable
Language
English
1A4N
J6705
DOCID
12067050
D7NID
132979
Editing link
Official link
Last update
Oct 4, 2020