What causes extinction of species?

Species extinction is primarily caused by habitat destruction, overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and invasive species.

Species extinction is a complex issue that involves a variety of factors. One of the main causes is habitat destruction. This can occur through deforestation, urbanisation, or other forms of land development. When a species' habitat is destroyed or significantly altered, the species may not be able to adapt to the new conditions and could die out. For example, many rainforest species are at risk of extinction due to large-scale deforestation.

Overexploitation is another significant cause of species extinction. This refers to the excessive hunting, fishing, or harvesting of a particular species. Over time, this can deplete the population to the point where it can no longer sustain itself. The dodo, for instance, was hunted to extinction by sailors and invasive species introduced by humans.

Climate change is also a major factor contributing to species extinction. Changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea level can all affect species' habitats and food sources. Polar bears are a well-known example of a species threatened by climate change, as melting sea ice reduces their hunting grounds.

Pollution, too, plays a role in species extinction. Pollution can contaminate air, water, and soil, which can harm or kill individual organisms and disrupt ecosystems. For example, water pollution from oil spills or plastic waste can be deadly to marine life.

Lastly, invasive species introduced to new environments can outcompete native species for resources, leading to their decline or extinction. An example of this is the introduction of the brown tree snake to Guam, which has led to the extinction of several bird species on the island.

In conclusion, species extinction is caused by a combination of factors, all of which are influenced by human activity. It's a serious issue that requires global attention and action.