Extinction debt refers to the delayed extinction of species that occurs as a consequence of habitat loss and environmental changes, where the full impact of these changes is not immediately evident. This phenomenon highlights the lag between habitat degradation and the eventual decline in biodiversity, which can lead to significant conservation challenges in areas with high biodiversity hotspots. Understanding extinction debt is crucial for prioritizing conservation efforts, as it reveals the hidden threats to species that may not yet be extinct but are on a precarious path toward it.
congrats on reading the definition of Extinction Debt. now let's actually learn it.