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Mass extinction

Grade Level(s):

  • 9-12
  • 13-16
  • Advanced
  • General

Source:

  • UC Museum of Paleontology

Resource type:

  • Tutorial

Time: 30 minutes

Overview

Usually, extinction operates at a fairly constant rate, culling some species while speciation generates new ones. However, at a few points in life's history the humdrum of regular extinction has been interrupted by mass extinctions. Learn more about these biodiversity crises.

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  • [History of life: Grades 9-12] During the course of evolution, only a small percentage of species have survived until today.
  • [History of life: Grades 9-12] Background extinctions are a normal occurrence.
  • [History of life: Grades 9-12] Rates of extinction vary.
  • [History of life: Grades 9-12] Mass extinctions occur.
  • [History of life: Grades 9-12] Extinction can result from environmental change.
  • [History of life: Grades 9-12] Extinctions may create opportunities for further evolution in other lineages to occur.
  • [History of life: Grades 13-16] During the course of evolution, only a small percentage of species have survived until today.
  • [History of life: Grades 13-16] Background extinctions are a normal occurrence.
  • [History of life: Grades 13-16] Rates of extinction vary.
  • [History of life: Grades 13-16] Mass extinctions occur.
  • [History of life: Grades 13-16] Extinction can result from environmental change.
  • [History of life: Grades 13-16] Human influence may be causing a modern mass extinction.
  • [History of life: Grades 13-16] Extinctions may create opportunities for further evolution in other lineages to occur.
  • [Studying evolution: Grades 9-12] Scientists use fossils (including sequences of fossils showing gradual change over time) to learn about past life.
  • [Studying evolution: Grades 9-12] Scientists use physical, chemical, and geological evidence to establish the age of fossils.
  • [Studying evolution: Grades 13-16] Scientists use fossils (including sequences of fossils showing gradual change over time) to learn about past life.
  • [Studying evolution: Grades 13-16] Scientists use physical, chemical, and geological evidence and comparative anatomy to establish the age of fossils.

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