The Causes of Extinction

When a species is no longer adapted to a changed environment, it may perish. Rapid ecological change, competition with better-adapted species, and environmental changes affecting food resources can all contribute to extinction.

A mass extinction is an event where many species become extinct at the same time.

One of the best-known examples of mass extinction occurred 65 million years ago with the demise of dinosaurs.

<p>The fossil record reveals that extinction has occurred throughout the history of Earth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rapid ecological change can render an environment hostile to a species, making it unable to adapt and survive.</p> Signup and view all the answers