Extinct

Definition

Extinct means a species, genus, or other taxonomic group has no living members. This status indicates that the last existing member of that group has died.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extinction can occur due to natural events, such as climate changes, volcanic eruptions, or asteroid impacts.
2. Human activities like deforestation and pollution have accelerated the rate of extinction in recent times.
3. Fossil records are crucial for studying extinct seedless plants and understanding ancient ecosystems.
4. The study of extinct plants helps scientists learn about evolutionary processes and plant diversification over geological time scales.
5. Many extinct seedless plants were dominant during specific geological periods, such as the Devonian and Carboniferous periods.

Review Questions

• What are some natural causes that can lead to the extinction of a species?
• How have human activities contributed to the rate of extinction?
• Why are fossil records important for studying extinct seedless plants?

Related terms

Fossil: The preserved remains or impressions of an organism that lived in the past.

Paleobotany: The branch of paleontology dealing with the recovery and identification of plant remains from geological contexts.

Biodiversity: The variety and variability of life on Earth, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.