The term "threatened with extinction" refers to the critical situation of a species being in danger of disappearing forever. The pronunciation of this phrase is written as /ˈθrɛtn̩d wɪð ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The stress falls on the first syllable "THRE" and the last syllable "TION." The "TH" sound is pronounced as /θ/ and the "TH" ending is pronounced as /ð/. The word "extinction" is spelled as it sounds, with the "X" silent and the "C" pronounced as /k/.
"Threatened with extinction" refers to a condition or situation faced by a particular species, group, or entity that is at a significant risk of dying out or disappearing completely from the Earth. This phrase is commonly used in the context of biodiversity and conservation, where it signifies the precarious status of certain animals, plants, or ecosystems.
When a species is described as "threatened with extinction," it means that various factors such as habitat loss, overhunting, pollution, climate change, or invasive species have profoundly impacted its population size or distribution. The decrease in their numbers has reached such a critical level that the species' long-term survival is under severe jeopardy. This also implies that urgent measures are required to prevent the species from becoming extinct.
The term "threatened with extinction" represents the serious threat that humans pose to the delicate balance of the Earth's ecosystems and the interconnected web of life. Recognizing this threat is essential for raising awareness about the impact of human activities on the natural world and for promoting conservation efforts. By designating a species as "threatened with extinction," conservation organizations, scientists, and governments aim to draw attention to the urgent need to protect and preserve these endangered species, their habitats, and the overall biological diversity of our planet for the benefit of current and future generations.