B14 - Genetics and evolution Flashcards
What is extinction?
Extinction is the permanent loss of members of a species of animal
Factors that can cause extinction
predators, new diseases or even new competitors
How can these factors cause extinction?
New predators and new diseases can cause extinction as they can wipe out the old animals as they are not used to the new organisms
What is environmental change?
Organisms that do well in hot climates wont do as well in colder conditions causing extinction
Has climate change affected the extinction of animals?
Yes, as the temperatures increase allowing some animals not being able to cope and vice versa
What is extinction of a global scale?
mass extinction globally that has wiped out a mass amount of species but within a short period of time
What is the long term effects of this?
this effects the climate change massively which has an impact on the extinction rate
Theories of extinction of dinosaurs
One theory believed that an asteroid or violent volcano erupted which released ash and other gases.
Another theory believes that the melting of the sea ice flooded the oceans and all the seas with very low temperature water.
Why can the theories never be fully proven?
Because it was so long ago they can’t get valid evidence
Extinct definition
Animals that have died
Extant
Animals that are alive
