The Making of Mass Extinctions

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Resource Type
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
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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.

Details
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.

Version History
Date Published
Updated
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

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

AP Biology (2015)

1.C.1

AP Environmental Science (2013)

I.A, III.A, VII.C

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.2, 3.3

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1, CC5

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