Glossary

extinct

Of a species or other taxonomic grouping, having no living members; no longer in existence.

Related terms

arthropod
Any member of the phylum Arthropoda, these being characterised by a (usually) chitinous exoskeleton and segmented body to which jointed appendages are attached in pairs. Arthropods include the insects, crustaceans, arachnids, myriapods, and extinct trilobites, and comprise the largest phylum in the animal kingdom.
extant
Not extinct; surviving; still in existence.
extinction
The state of being or becoming extinct.
extirpate
To destroy completely; to exterminate. Sometimes applied to cases where a species is extinct in one country or area but extant in others.
relict
An organism or group of organisms that exists as a remnant, typically belonging to a formerly abundant group in an environment much changed from that in which it originated; a surviving species from an otherwise extinct taxon.
taxonomic
Of or relating to taxonomy.