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The Making of Mass Extinctions

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Image from the interactive

Topic

  • Evolution
  • Paleobiology
  • Extinction
  • Earth Science
  • Earth History

Resource Type

  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Saved By
42 Users
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Description

This interactive module explores the environmental factors and species involved in five major mass extinctions.

Extinction is a normal part of the evolutionary process. But during five periods in Earth’s history, extinction rates greatly exceeded normal levels. This Click & Learn allows students to compare these five major mass extinction events, examine each of their causes, and determine whether a sixth mass extinction is likely in the future.

The “Poster” PDF provides an accessible version of the content in this Click & Learn.

Estimated Time

One 50-minute class period.

Key Terms

anthropocene, asteroid, atmosphere, carbon dioxide, extinction rate, species, sulfur dioxide, supercontinent, timeline, volcano

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 01.13.16
Date Updated 09.03.21

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS4.C, HS-LS4.D, HS-ESS1.C, HS-ESS2.A, HS-ESS2.D, HS-ESS2.E

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-3.E, EVO-3.G, EVO-3.H

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 2.5, 9.5, 9.9
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-2.G, EIN-4.B. STB-4.F

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.2, 3.3

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1, CC5

Materials

Download Poster (PDF) 8 MB

Related Science News

UN report: Humans accelerating extinction of other species
Fossil trove shows life’s fast recovery after big extinction

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This Resource Appears in the Following Playlists

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