Probability of extinction

Definition

The probability of extinction refers to the likelihood that a species will become extinct in a given time period due to various factors such as habitat loss, climate change, or competition.

Analogy

Imagine you have a jar filled with different colored marbles. The probability of extinction is like picking a marble from the jar without looking - some colors may be more likely to be picked (higher probability) while others are less likely (lower probability).

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety and abundance of different species in an ecosystem.

Endangered species: Species that are at risk of becoming extinct due to low population numbers or threats to their habitat.

Extinction event: A significant event that causes the widespread disappearance of many species within a relatively short period of time, often due to natural disasters or human activities.