Here's a breakdown:
Extinct Animals:
* No longer exist: They have died out completely, with no known surviving individuals.
* Gone forever: Their populations have ceased to exist.
* Reasons for extinction: Can be due to various factors like habitat loss, climate change, disease, or competition with other species.
* Examples: Dinosaurs, Dodo bird, Tasmanian tiger
Living Animals:
* Currently exist: There are still populations of these animals alive in the wild or in captivity.
* Reproducing and thriving: They are able to reproduce and continue their species.
* Examples: Elephants, lions, giraffes, blue whales
Other differences:
* Fossil record: Extinct animals are only known through fossils, while living animals can be directly observed.
* Conservation status: While some living animals may be endangered or threatened, they are not yet extinct.
It's important to note that:
* Extinction is a natural process: Species have gone extinct throughout Earth's history.
* Human impact: Humans are currently accelerating the rate of extinction, largely due to habitat destruction and climate change.
Let me know if you have any more questions!