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The Making of Mass Extinctions

Launch 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
Favorited By
19 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.

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 01.13.16
Date Updated 01.13.16
Curriculum Connections
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 (2013)

I.A, III.A, VII.C

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.2, 3.3

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1, CC5

Materials
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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By: BioInteractive

HHMI BioInteractive

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