O extinction term is used to designate a living being that no longer exists in a given ecosystem. A well-known example is that of the dinosaurs, which completely disappeared from the Earth's surface approximately 66 years ago. millions of years. In addition to this example, we can mention the mammoths, which for four thousand years are no longer seen.
THE extinction, although rather sad, is a process that occurs constantly in nature. Some species, for example, undergo such great changes, given the environment in which they live, that they can be considered new species. Thus, that initial species becomes extinct and a new species is formed.
Extinction happens for several reasons, be it a catastrophe, be it the action of man in the middle. As examples of catastrophes that can result in extinction, we can mention the fall of meteors, glaciations, global warming, volcanic eruptions, changes in sea level, among other processes that cannot be avoided.
Disasters often cause the extinction of several groups of organisms at once. These abrupt extinctions are called mass extinctions. In the Permian, approximately 225 million years ago, the largest mass extinction that researchers have reported occurred. It is estimated that during this period an average of 90% of all species in the world died.
Some extinct species can be seen in fossils
Man is, without a doubt, the biggest cause of species extinction today. He is responsible for destroying forests, establishing pastures, expanding cities, polluting the soil, air and water, in addition to several other processes that directly affect the environment and habitat of different species. In addition, hunting and overexploitation of certain species can lead to their disappearance.
Another current and very important problem is the introduction of exotic species, that is, species that were not found in a certain area. Introducing new species can generate competition or even predation. Inserting a new fish in a lake, for example, can be fatal for species already belonging to that location, either because they need to share the food, either because of the death of local species caused by what was introduced.
Several species are threatened with extinction, that is, they are at risk of disappearing completely from the planet. Between the endangered animal species, we can mention the right whale, the black lion tamarin, the Guara wolf, armadillo ball, among others. It is worth noting that some plants are also at risk of extinction, such as aroeira, jaborandi, mahogany, chestnut, Gravatá, among others.
We can prevent the extinction of many species by helping to preserve the environment and making sustainable use of natural resources. Together we can prevent human-triggered extinctions, maintaining a harmonious environment for various species.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
