Species are extinct if there are no living individuals left.

Extinction happens if a species fails to adapt to changes in its environment.

Fossils have provided us with information on some extinct species.

Extinct species include dinosaurs (caused by a meteor strike) and dodos (hunted by humans).

Species that are at risk of becoming extinct are known as endangered.

A species can become extinct for many reasons, including:

• Climate change.
• Natural disaster.
• Hunted by humans.
• Hunted by non-native animals (introduced by humans).
• Disease.
• Loss of habitat (e.g. deforestation).

Extinction can be avoided by:

• Legislation preventing the hunting of endangered species.
• International agreements, including those that plan to limit climate change.
• Special programmes such as creating nature reserves to protect habitats.
• Education that encourages people to do their part in protecting the environment.