Key Difference – Endangered vs Extinct
Being endangered and extinct are two words between which a key difference can be identified. When observing the world today, many species are facing a threat of being endangered or extinct due to various factors. Of these, the conduct of human beings is the key factor. Due to deforestation, killing of animals for production purposes, leisure, development projects and indifference to the significance of flora and fauna most species are at the brink of being extinct or endangered. First, let us comprehend the difference between these two words. The key difference is that to be endangered is when a species is in danger of being extinct. On the other hand, to be extinct is when there are no living members of a particular species. Dinosaurs can be considered as a classic example for being extinct.
What does Endangered mean?
Endangered is to be in danger of being extinct. This highlights that there is only a limited population of the species, and they are at a risk of being extinct. In many countries, to preserve the species that are endangered, many rules and regulations have been implemented. For instance, hunting endangered species can result in being imprisoned for a period or a fine. In most cases, to preserve such animals, the functioning of activist groups can also be seen in many countries.
According to the World Conservation Union, today there is a large number of species that are endangered. This list categorizes the species as critically endangered and endangered. Here are some examples from both categories.
First, let us pay attention to critically endangered species.
- Amur Leopard
- Cross River gorilla
- Mountain Gorilla
- South China tiger
- Sumatran elephant
- Vaquita
- Western Lowland Gorilla
Now let us move on to the next list of endangered species.
- Bengal Tiger
- Blue whale
- Chimpanzee
- Bornean Orangutan
- Fin whale
- Galapagos penguin
- Giant panda
- Indus river dolphin
- Sri Lankan Elephant
- Malayan tiger
This list only provides some of the species that are endangered. Now let us move on to the next word ‘extinct’.
Giant Panda
What does Extinct mean?
Extinct is when there are no living members of a species. As you all know, planet Earth is home to a wide range of species, starting from small insects to large mammals such as elephants and whales. When a species exist no longer, it is considered as extinct. As mentioned in the introduction, dinosaurs can be considered as an example for extinct species. Animals can become extinct due to various reasons. It can be due to natural activities such as in the case of dinosaurs, but it can also be due to human conduct. Humans become the cause of extinction due to two main reasons.
- Deforestation
- Hunting of wildlife
Due to various development projects that have been implemented, deforestation takes place. Although this allows humans to expand their projects, it simultaneously reduces the limited space of forestry. This can cause many issues. Not only deforestation, hunting animals such as in the case of whales, rhinoceros, and tigers can also result in the species becoming extinct.
Bali tiger, Javan tiger, Sea Mink, Japanese sea lion, Saudi Gazelle, Bluebuck, Golden toad, Silver trout, Liverpool pigeon, Norfolk Island ground dove, Broad-billed parrot, Newton’s parakeet, Duncan Island tortoise are only some examples for species that have become extinct.
Javan Tiger
What is the Difference Between Endangered and Extinct?
Definitions of Endangered and Extinct:
Endangered: To be endangered is when a species is in danger of being extinct.
Extinct: To be extinct is when there are no living members of a particular species.
Characteristics of Endangered and Extinct:
Living members:
Endangered: There are a limited number of living members of a species.
Extinct: There are no living members of the species.
Monitoring:
Endangered: Most endangered species are being monitored by various organizations and governments so that the species can be saved.
Extinct: Extinct species cannot be monitored.
Saving:
Endangered: Endangered species can be saved.
Extinct: Extinct species cannot be saved.
Image Courtesy:
1. Grosser Panda By J. Patrick Fischer (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Panthera tigris sondaica 01 By Andries Hoogerwerf (29 August 1906 – 5 February 1977) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
