Coextinction is often seen when specialized relationships exist between species, such as obligate mutualisms, where both species rely on each other for survival. When one species disappears, the other is unable to survive without it.
For example, if a plant species that provides nectar and pollen for a specific pollinator species becomes extinct, the pollinator species may also face extinction as it can no longer reproduce without its primary food source.
Another example is when a predator species becomes extinct, leading to an overpopulation of its prey species. The prey species may eventually exhaust the available resources, resulting in their decline and potential extinction.
Coextinctions can also occur when a keystone species, a species that plays a critical role in maintaining an ecosystem, becomes extinct. The loss of keystone species can cause cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, leading to the coextinction of other species reliant on the keystone species for survival.
Recognizing and addressing coextinction risks is crucial for effective conservation strategies. Efforts to protect endangered species should consider the potential impact on other species they depend on, promoting the conservation of entire ecosystems rather than isolated species.