Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
extant species
noun
/ˈɛkstənt ˈspiːʃɪz/
Definition
Extant species are species that are currently living and have not gone extinct.
Examples
- The blue whale is an extant species of marine mammal.
- Scientists study extant species to understand evolution and biodiversity.
- Many extant species are threatened due to habitat loss.
Meaning
The term ‘extant’ refers to species that still exist today, in contrast to extinct species which no longer have any living representatives.
Synonyms
- Living species
- Surviving species
- Current species
