What Plants or Trees Have Been Extinct
The world has seen a great number of plant and tree species go extinct over the course of history. These extinctions have occurred for a variety of reasons, including climate change, deforestation, and human activity. Here are just a few examples of plants and trees that are no longer with us:
Tasmanian Tiger Grass
The Tasmanian tiger grass, also known as sword grass, was a unique species of grass that was native to Tasmania, Australia. It had long, sharp leaves that were designed to protect it from grazing animals, and it was capable of growing up to 2 meters tall. Unfortunately, deforestation and habitat loss caused this species to go extinct in the early 20th century.
Chinese Water Fir
The Chinese water fir was a tree species that was endemic to the Hunan and Jiangxi provinces of China. It was known for its long, bright green needles and its ability to thrive in wet environments. However, due to habitat loss and over-harvesting, this species went extinct in the wild in the 1980s.
New Zealand Vine Weta
The New Zealand vine weta was a unique species of insect that was known for its ability to climb trees and vines with ease. It was once found on New Zealand's North Island, but it became extinct in the early 20th century due to habitat loss and the introduction of invasive species.
Large-Fruited Sandalwood
The large-fruited sandalwood was a tree species that was native to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It was known for its fragrant wood, which was used in the production of perfumes and sandalwood oil. Unfortunately, over-harvesting and deforestation caused this species to go extinct in the wild in the early 20th century.
Passenger Pigeon
The passenger pigeon was a bird species that was once one of the most abundant birds in North America. It was capable of forming flocks that numbered in the billions, and it was an important food source for indigenous people. However, overhunting and habitat loss caused the passenger pigeon to go extinct in the wild in 1900, and the last known captive bird died in 1914.
Conclusion
The extinction of plant and tree species is a tragedy that has occurred for a number of reasons. While some species have gone extinct due to natural causes, many have been driven to extinction by human activities such as habitat loss and over-harvesting. It is important that we take action to prevent further extinctions and to protect the delicate balance of life on Earth.