QUATERNARY EXTINCTION EVENT Meaning and
Definition
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A quaternary extinction event refers to a widespread and significant loss of species that occurred during the Quaternary Period, the most recent geological period. This period began around 2.6 million years ago and continues to the present day. The extinction event specifically refers to the period starting around 50,000 years ago and continuing to the present, during which multiple species of plants and animals disappeared from the Earth.
This event was primarily driven by the expansion of the human population and its impact on ecosystems. The significance of the quaternary extinction event lies in the fact that it is the first major extinction event primarily caused by human activities, as opposed to natural factors such as geological or climate changes.
The extinction event affected various regions, including but not limited to North America, Australia, and the islands of the Pacific. The specific causes include overhunting, habitat destruction, the introduction of invasive species, and climate change exacerbated by human activity.
The quaternary extinction event had profound ecological consequences, as the loss of multiple species disrupted food chains, altered ecosystems, and caused irreparable damage to biodiversity. This extinction event continues to be a subject of intense scientific study and remains a major concern in conservation and environmental efforts, emphasizing the need to mitigate human impact on the planet and protect vulnerable species from extinction.
