What is extinction?
To become extinct means that the species is no longer in existence and will never return. Extinction is a natural process that happens in the world but has increased majorly due to human activity and other activities. Though there are many ways for a species to become extinct, researchers believe the leading cause for extinction is habitat destruction and man-made impacts. In 2000, Switzerland had 30,000 species and 600 of them were threatened with extinction. Also, gorillas are hunted for bush meat and are endangered of becoming extinct.
Why is this a big issue?
All species depend on one another for their survival. Large predators need smaller animals for food. Smaller animals need plants or insects for food. Plant life depends on the large predators to keep down the number of grazing animals and to prevent overgrazing. Groups of plants and animals live in interdependent communities called ecosystems. The needs of all the species within an ecosystem are held in a delicate