In what specific year did the last known male Northern White Rhino die, leading to the subspecies' functional extinction?
Answer
2018
The final demographic blow to the Northern White Rhino subspecies occurred relatively recently when its last known male representative passed away. This event, occurring in the year 2018, formally cemented the subspecies' status as functionally extinct in the wild, as natural reproduction is no longer possible without advanced scientific intervention. This rapid collapse contrasts sharply with the deep-time evolutionary history spanning millions of years, underscoring how contemporary environmental stressors, primarily human activity, can exert pressures far exceeding those faced over deep evolutionary tenure.
Related Questions
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