The Making of Mass Extinctions

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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.
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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)
Version History
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