answersLogoWhite

0

When is a species extinct?

Updated: 8/17/2019
User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Best Answer

Hi

A species becomes extinct when the last existing member of that species dies. Extinction therefore becomes a certainty when there are no surviving individuals that are able to reproduce and create a new generation. A species may become functionally extinct when only a handful of individuals survive, which are unable to reproduce due to poor health, age, sparse distribution over a large range, a lack of individuals of both sexes (in sexually reproducing species), or other reasons.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: When is a species extinct?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp