12: Extinction
- Page ID
- 71497
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- 12.2: History of Extinction
- Extinction is the global loss of a species. Five mass extinctions have occurred in geological history, and extinction rates were particular high during these events. Earth is currently experiencing a sixth mass extinction, which is driven by human activities. When mass extinctions are not occurring, extinction still occurs at a low rate, the background extinction rate. The local elimination of a species (extirpation) is also of conservation concern.