extinction, biologicalThe failure of a taxonomic group to produce direct descendants, causing its global disappearance at a given point in time. Extinction may be the result of a number of factors including physical changes in the environment, and competition from other species – in recent times most notably by man. Related entry• mass extinctionRelated category• ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF LIFEAlso on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History |