Extinct Animals - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Discover animals that no longer exist and learn why they disappeared
What Are Extinct Animals?
Extinct animals are species that no longer exist anywhere on Earth. This means every single animal of that kind has died, and there are none left alive today. Extinction is a natural process that has happened throughout Earth's history, but today it's happening much faster because of human activities.
Scientists estimate that over 99% of all species that ever lived are now extinct! Most extinctions happened long before humans existed, like the dinosaurs that disappeared 65 million years ago. But some animals have gone extinct more recently, often because of things people did.
Did You Know?
There are two types of extinction: background extinction (natural, slow process) and mass extinction (when many species disappear quickly).
Causes of Extinction
Animals can become extinct for many different reasons. Here are the main causes scientists have identified:
Habitat Loss
When forests are cut down or wetlands are drained, animals lose their homes
Overhunting
Animals hunted too much for food, fur, or sport can disappear
Climate Change
Changing temperatures make some habitats unlivable
Pollution
Chemicals in water and air can poison animals
Invasive Species
New animals introduced to an area can outcompete natives
Natural causes like volcanoes or asteroid impacts have caused mass extinctions in the past. But today, human activities are the main reason species are disappearing so quickly. The good news is that by understanding these causes, we can work to protect animals that are in danger today.
Famous Extinct Animals
Many amazing animals have disappeared because of human activities. Here are six important examples:
Dodo Bird
Flightless bird from Mauritius, extinct by 1681 from hunting and invasive species
Passenger Pigeon
Once the most numerous bird in North America, extinct by 1914 from overhunting
Tasmanian Tiger
Dog-like marsupial hunted to extinction in 1930s as a "pest"
Great Auk
Penguin-like bird hunted for feathers and meat, extinct by 1844
Steller's Sea Cow
Giant relative of manatees, hunted to extinction within 27 years of discovery
Quagga
Zebra subspecies from South Africa, extinct by 1883 from hunting
These animals disappeared forever because people didn't understand how their actions could affect entire species. Today, we have laws and conservation programs to try to prevent this from happening to other animals.
Extinct Animals Quiz
Test what you've learned about extinct animals with this quiz. Choose the best answer for each question.
Questions About Extinct Animals
Here are answers to common questions students have about extinct animals:
Did You Know?
Discover some fascinating facts about extinct animals:
Dodo Misconception
Dodos weren't actually stupid! They had no predators on their island so didn't need to fear humans. Their name comes from the Dutch word "dodoor" meaning "sluggard."
Passenger Pigeon Numbers
Passenger pigeon flocks were so huge they darkened the sky for hours as they passed. One 1866 flock in Ontario was estimated at 3.5 billion birds!
Tasmanian Tiger
The last known Tasmanian tiger died in a zoo in 1936. Amazingly, this was the same year they were officially protected by law - too late to save them.
Steller's Sea Cow Size
These gentle giants grew up to 30 feet long and weighed up to 10 tons - much larger than today's manatees and dugongs.
