Mass Extinction

C1 8+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /mæs ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/

Definitions of mass extinction

noun a widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth, often caused by catastrophic events

Example Sentences

A1 A mass extinction is when many different species of animals and plants die out at the same time.

A2 The dinosaurs became extinct during a mass extinction event millions of years ago.

B1 Scientists believe that human activities are causing a mass extinction of various species around the world.

B2 The effects of a mass extinction can have long-lasting impacts on the environment and ecosystems.

C1 The sixth mass extinction in Earth's history is currently happening due to human-induced changes in the environment.

C2 Researchers are studying past mass extinction events to better understand the factors that lead to such catastrophic loss of biodiversity.

Examples of mass extinction in a Sentence

formal The mass extinction event wiped out a large percentage of the Earth's species.

informal Dude, did you know about the mass extinction that happened millions of years ago?

slang That mass extinction was like the ultimate wipeout for the dinosaurs.

figurative The economic recession caused a mass extinction of small businesses in the area.

Grammatical Forms of mass extinction

plural

mass extinctions

present tense

mass extinction

future tense

will mass extinction

perfect tense

has mass extinction

continuous tense

is mass extinction

singular

mass extinction

positive degree

mass extinction

infinitive

to mass extinction

gerund

mass extinction

participle

mass extinct

Origin and Evolution of mass extinction

First Known Use: 1922 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'mass extinction' originated from the field of paleontology and was used to describe a widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity of Earth.
Evolution of the word: Initially used to describe the sudden and significant loss of species in the fossil record, the term 'mass extinction' has evolved to encompass a broader understanding of global environmental catastrophes that lead to the decline of numerous species across various ecosystems.