The spelling of the phrase "become extinct" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound represented by the symbol /bɪ/. The second syllable includes a long "k" sound followed by a short "s" sound represented by the symbols /kʌm/. The final syllable is pronounced with a long "t" sound followed by the "ɪŋk" sound represented by the symbol /stɪŋkt/. Therefore, the correct pronunciation for "become extinct" is /bɪˈkʌm ɪŋkstɪŋkt/.
"Become extinct" refers to the complete disappearance and permanent cessation of a species, group, or population from the Earth’s surface. It occurs when there are no remaining individuals capable of reproduction and the species fails to adapt and survive in changing environments over time. This term is predominantly used in the context of biology, particularly in the realm of ecology and conservation.
Extinction can be caused by various factors, including natura l processes, habitat destruction, overexploitation by humans, invasive species, and climate change. These factors can lead to a decline in population size, making a species vulnerable to extinction. Ultimately, when the population size becomes critically low or when the last individual dies, the species is considered extinct.
The concept of extinction has gained significant attention in recent times due to the alarming rate at which species are disappearing worldwide. The loss of biodiversity resulting from species extinction has significant consequences, as it disrupts ecosystems, affects food chains, and hampers ecological balance. Additionally, the extinction of species can lead to the loss of potential scientific, medical, and economic benefits that they may have provided.
Efforts to prevent species from becoming extinct focus on conservation measures such as habitat protection, captive breeding programs, reintroduction of endangered species into the wild, and international agreements to regulate trade in endangered species. The goal is to mitigate the factors driving extinction and promote the recovery and survival of endangered species to maintain global biodiversity.
The word "extinct" originates from the Latin word "extinctus", which is the past participle of the verb "extinguere". In Latin, "ex" means "out" and "stinguere" means "to quench" or "to extinguish". Therefore, "extinctus" carries the meaning of being "quenched" or "extinguished". The term "become extinct" is a combination of the verb "become", meaning "to start to be", and the adjective "extinct", indicating that something has ceased to exist or is no longer living.