EXTINCTION

W HAT IS E XTINCTION ? Extinction is were animals are no longer around and are gone forever like the dinosaurs and dodo’s and the mammoth! Extinction is an evaluative process that leads to the disappearance of a species or a population. When a species becomes extinct, its entire genetic heritage is lost for good. There are eight other famous animals like the Great Auk, Passenger Pigeon, Tasmanian Tiger, Sabre-toothed Cat, Baiji White Dolphin, Stellers Sea Cow, Pyrenean Ibex, West African Black Rhino that are all extinct.

W HY IS EXTINCTION HAPPENING ? We know that animal species have appeared and disappeared continually since life began on Earth. This is a natural phenomenon. However, species have been vanishing at a much faster rate for about a century now thanks to human factors such as pollution, commercial overexploitation, poaching and deforestation. The reason animals are becoming extinct because of deforestation is that people are cutting trees down for paper and wood, which leaves the animals with no habitat at least most of them! This Rhino is Endangered Because Humans want there Skin and there horns!

W HY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SAVE ANIMALS ? Since life began on Earth, countless creatures have come and gone, rendered extinct by naturally changing physical and biological conditions, some people ask: “Why save endangered species? Why should we spend money on them?”

W HY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SAVE ANIMALS ? A RE THERE ANY IN PARTICULAR WE NEED FOR SURVIVAL ? If we don’t save the animals, how will be able to save ourselves. A better knowledge and understanding of animals gives us a better understanding of our own species. Many people think of bees simply as a summertime nuisance. But these small and hard-working insects actually make it possible for many of your favourite foods to reach your table. From apples to almonds to the pumpkin in our pumpkin pies, we have bees to thank. Now, a condition known as Colony Collapse Disorder is causing bee populations to plummet, which means these foods are also at risk. Without bees to spread seeds, many plants—including food crops—would die off. Animals play a role in nature and have a right to survive.

A RE THERE ANY IN PARTICULAR WE NEED FOR SURVIVAL ? Honey bees: bees provide the world with pollination. Bats: bats have a positive influence on the planet as they consume insects. Plankton: some people believe that plankton are just tiny plants but they’re the reason we can all breathe. Butterflies: butterflies help predict climate change, they move north, and this is due to a change in temperature.

Some of the animals that are horrible and scary are actually really helpful, Fore example, Bees: They give you honey and also they pollinate the flowers to keep them healthy and alive! Spiders: We need spiders so they could eat flies and keep them out of our homes!

SOLUTIONS How we can help? Support organizations that help wildlife. Help research and captive breeding projects- for example, adopt an animal. Buy products that are environmentally friendly. Waste less and recycle more! Encourage people to care for wildlife.

M ORE S OLUTIONS ! 1. Learn about endangered species in your area. 2. Visit a national wildlife refuge, park or other open space. 3. Make your home wildlife friendly. 4. Native plants provide food and shelter for native wildlife. 5. Herbicides and pesticides may keep yards looking nice but they hazardous. 6. Slow down when driving. 7. Recycle and buy sustainable products. 8. Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species. 9. Harassing wildlife is cruel and illegal. 10. Protect wildlife habitat.

T HANK YOU FOR WATCHING