extinction rates

Extinction rates refer to how quickly species disappear from Earth. Naturally, some species go extinct over time due to environmental changes or competition. However, current extinction rates are much higher than historical averages, primarily because human activities like habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change accelerate species loss. When a species goes extinct, it means there are no longer any living members of that species. High extinction rates threaten biodiversity, which is vital for healthy ecosystems and our own well-being, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts.