In mass extinctions, entire groups of species — such as families, orders, and classes — die out, creating opportunities for the survivors to exploit new habitats. In their new niches, the survivors evolve new characteristics and habits and, consequently, develop into entirely new species.
- family [ˈfæmili] n.科
- order [ˈɔ:də] n.目
- class [klɑ:s] n. 纲
- survivor [səˈvaivə] n.幸存者
- exploit [iksˈplɔit] v. 开拓
- habitat [ˈhæbitæt] n.栖息地
- niche [nitʃ] n.合适的环境
- evolve [iˈvɔlv] v. 进化
