What term is used to describe the complete disappearance of all members of a species from Earth?

Prepare for the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to get you ready for exam success!

The term that describes the complete disappearance of all members of a species from Earth is "extinction." Extinction occurs when a species no longer has any living individuals, resulting in the irreversible loss of that species from the ecosystem. This can happen due to various factors, including habitat destruction, climate change, overexploitation, and invasive species.

In contrast, endangerment refers to a species that is at risk of becoming extinct but has not yet completely vanished. Depletion signifies a reduction in the number of individuals within a species, rather than total loss. Decline indicates a decrease in population size but does not necessarily mean the species has disappeared entirely. Therefore, "extinction" is the appropriate term for the complete loss of a species from the planet.

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