Includes index.

Extinction is forever -- What is extinction? -- Extinction and evolution -- Why does it happen? -- How do we know? -- Not quite extinct -- Beliefs and ideas -- Long, long ago -- Mass extinctions -- The biggest of all -- Ages of ice -- Keeping a record -- Gathering pace -- Too many to disappear -- Island extinctions -- What's happening today? -- On the brink -- Saved just in time -- Should we care? -- Gone forever? -- Looking to the future.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Examines the extinction of various plants and animals, the effect of humans on species loss, and the preservation and protection of life forms.