Extinction of Species

• Mass Extinctions 


  Extinction of many species over a relatively short period of time
• Extinctions have occurred naturally over geologic time
• Populations with reduced diversity face increased risk of extinction
• Rapid extinction events can lead to greater loss of large organisms than small ones
• Large distribution area is generally a big advantage as it may allow some pockets of habitat to survive
• Large population size can provide some protection as the population is likely to have a more diverse gene pool and therefore greater variety of alleles and phenotype options as the pressures from natural selection change