extinction rate

The extinction rate refers to how quickly species of plants and animals disappear from Earth. It is a natural part of evolution, happening over long periods. However, humans have increased extinction rates through activities like habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overhunting. A higher-than-normal extinction rate means species are vanishing faster than they can evolve or be replaced, which can disrupt ecosystems and threaten biodiversity. Monitoring extinction rates helps scientists understand the health of our planet and the impact of human activities on the natural world.