Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
extant species
Noun
/ˈɛk.stənt ˈspiː.ʃiːz/
Definition
Refers to species that are currently living and not extinct.
Examples
- The blue whale is an extant species that has survived past threats of extinction.
- Many scientists study extant species to understand evolutionary processes.
- Zoos often focus on preserving extant species through breeding programs.
Meaning
Extant species are organisms that still exist today, as opposed to those that have gone extinct.
Synonyms
- Living species
- Existing species
- Surviving species
