絶滅

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 絶滅 is read as ぜつめつ and is a verbal noun used as 絶滅する; its past form 絶滅した modifies a following noun.
• Basic usage: It is used for the risk that species may disappear or for animals that are already extinct.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Verb forms
  • The dictionary form appears in 絶滅する恐れ, while 絶滅した modifies 動物.
• Scope of the subject
  • In these contexts, extinction concerns a species or group rather than the death of one individual.