Logo
Logo
Log inSign up
Logo

Tools

AI Concept MapsAI Mind MapsAI Study NotesAI FlashcardsAI Quizzes

Resources

BlogTemplate

Info

PricingFAQTeam

info@algoreducation.com

Corso Castelfidardo 30A, Torino (TO), Italy

Algor Lab S.r.l. - Startup Innovativa - P.IVA IT12537010014

Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyTerms and Conditions

Mass Extinctions Throughout Earth's History

Exploring the history of life on Earth, this overview delves into the concept of extinction and the dynamics of mass extinction events. It highlights the 'Big Five' mass extinctions, including the Ordovician-Silurian, Late Devonian, Permian-Triassic, Triassic-Jurassic, and Cretaceous-Paleogene events, as well as the current Holocene extinction driven by human activities. The causes, impacts, and evolutionary consequences of these catastrophic events are examined, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation.

See more
Open map in editor

1

4

Open map in editor

Want to create maps from your material?

Insert your material in few seconds you will have your Algor Card with maps, summaries, flashcards and quizzes.

Try Algor

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

1

Cuvier's evidence for extinction

Click to check the answer

Fossil research showing species had vanished, challenging species immutability.

2

Role of extinction in Darwin's theory

Click to check the answer

Incorporated as a mechanism in natural selection, explaining species' evolution and disappearance.

3

Current understanding of species extinction rate

Click to check the answer

Over 99% of all species that ever lived are now extinct, indicating life's constant change.

4

The Earth has experienced at least ______ major extinction events, with the ______ extinction possibly being the sixth.

Click to check the answer

five Holocene

5

Timing of Ordovician-Silurian extinction event

Click to check the answer

Occurred around 443 million years ago, marking the first of the 'Big Five' mass extinctions.

6

Marine species loss during Ordovician-Silurian extinction

Click to check the answer

Approximately 85% of marine species were lost, heavily impacting brachiopods, conodonts, corals, and trilobites.

7

Debated causes of Ordovician-Silurian extinction

Click to check the answer

Hypotheses include changes in sea levels and volcanic activity, among others.

8

During the extinction event, marine ecosystems suffered greatly, evidenced by the reduction of ______ and the loss of numerous fish species.

Click to check the answer

reef-building organisms

9

Permian-Triassic extinction event timing

Click to check the answer

Occurred around 252 million years ago.

10

Marine species extinction percentage in Permian-Triassic

Click to check the answer

Approximately 96% of marine species went extinct.

11

Terrestrial vertebrate extinction percentage in Permian-Triassic

Click to check the answer

About 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species became extinct.

12

The - extinction event, which occurred roughly ______ million years ago, resulted in the loss of about ______% of species.

Click to check the answer

Triassic-Jurassic 201 80

13

Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event timing

Click to check the answer

Occurred about 66 million years ago.

14

Species extinction percentage during Cretaceous-Paleogene event

Click to check the answer

Approximately 75% of all species were eradicated.

15

Post-extinction evolutionary beneficiaries

Click to check the answer

Mammals and birds diversified and flourished.

16

The current phase of global species loss, known as the ______ extinction, started after the last ______ Age.

Click to check the answer

Holocene Ice

17

Human actions such as habitat destruction and pollution have caused species extinction rates to soar up to ______ times higher than the natural rate, as per the ______.

Click to check the answer

1,000 IUCN

18

Catastrophic events triggering mass extinctions

Click to check the answer

Asteroid impacts, volcanic eruptions, rapid climate changes.

19

Role of genetic diversity in species survival

Click to check the answer

Provides resilience against complete extinction during diseases.

20

Human activities leading to current biodiversity loss

Click to check the answer

Habitat loss, climate change, overconsumption of resources.

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Similar Contents

Earth Sciences

The Fossil Record: A Window into the History of Life on Earth

View document

Earth Sciences

Biogeography: The Study of Species Distribution

View document

Earth Sciences

Biofuels: A Sustainable Alternative to Fossil Fuels

View document

Earth Sciences

Nutrient Cycles and Ecological Processes

View document

The Concept of Extinction and Its Discovery

Extinction, the permanent disappearance of a species from Earth, was first recognized as a natural phenomenon by the French naturalist Georges Cuvier in the late 18th century. Cuvier's research on fossils provided evidence that contradicted the then-common belief in the immutability of species, demonstrating that some had indeed vanished from existence. This concept was further developed by subsequent scientists, including Charles Darwin, who incorporated extinction into his theory of natural selection. Today, it is understood that more than 99 percent of all species that have ever lived are now extinct, highlighting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of life on our planet.
Prehistoric landscape with realistic dinosaur models including Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, and T. rex among lush Mesozoic-era vegetation under a golden late afternoon sky with soaring pterosaurs.

The Dynamics of Mass Extinction Events

Mass extinctions are significant reductions in global biodiversity, characterized by the rapid loss of a large number of species within a relatively short geological period. These events exceed the normal background rate of extinctions and have occurred at least five times in Earth's history, with a potential sixth event—the Holocene extinction—currently underway. Each mass extinction has had profound effects on the course of evolution, often leading to the rise of new groups of organisms in the aftermath.

The Ordovician-Silurian Extinction: A Marine Catastrophe

The Ordovician-Silurian extinction event, which took place approximately 443 million years ago, was the first of the "Big Five" mass extinctions. It resulted in the loss of an estimated 85% of marine species, primarily due to dramatic climate changes that included a severe ice age followed by rapid warming. This event devastated marine communities, particularly affecting organisms such as brachiopods, conodonts, corals, and trilobites. The causes of this extinction are still debated, with hypotheses ranging from changes in sea levels to volcanic activity.

The Late Devonian Extinction: A Protracted Environmental Shift

The Late Devonian extinction, occurring around 375-359 million years ago, was a drawn-out event that eliminated about 75% of all species over a span of 20 million years. This prolonged period of biodiversity loss coincided with the diversification of terrestrial plants and may have been caused by multiple factors, including anoxic events in the oceans, bolide impacts, and changes in sea level. The extinction had a significant impact on marine life, including the decline of reef-building organisms and the extinction of many species of fish.

The Permian-Triassic Extinction: Earth's Most Cataclysmic Event

The Permian-Triassic extinction event, which occurred around 252 million years ago, is the most severe extinction event recorded, with an estimated 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species becoming extinct. This event, often referred to as "The Great Dying," is thought to have been caused by massive volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps, leading to global warming, ocean acidification, and anoxia. The extinction decimated many groups, including the dominant synapsids on land and the diverse marine fauna.

The Triassic-Jurassic Extinction: Paving the Way for Dinosaurs

The Triassic-Jurassic extinction event, around 201 million years ago, saw the disappearance of approximately 80% of species. This event facilitated the rise of dinosaurs as the dominant terrestrial vertebrates. The causes of this extinction are not fully understood but may include massive volcanic eruptions that led to climate change, as well as asteroid impacts. The end-Triassic extinction reshaped the composition of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

The Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction: The Fall of the Dinosaurs

The Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, which occurred about 66 million years ago, is renowned for the demise of the non-avian dinosaurs. This mass extinction, which eradicated approximately 75% of all species, is widely attributed to the impact of a large asteroid or comet at the Chicxulub crater in present-day Mexico. The resulting environmental changes, including a "nuclear winter" effect and subsequent global warming, led to the extinction of many species and provided an evolutionary opportunity for mammals and birds to diversify and flourish.

The Holocene Extinction: Humanity's Impact on Biodiversity

The ongoing Holocene extinction, also referred to as the Anthropocene extinction, began at the end of the last Ice Age and has accelerated dramatically over the past few centuries due to human activities. Habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species have led to an unprecedented rate of species loss, estimated to be up to 1,000 times the natural background rate. This current biodiversity crisis poses a significant threat to the stability of ecosystems and the services they provide, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) indicating that a large number of species are currently at risk of extinction.

Understanding the Causes and Impacts of Mass Extinctions

Mass extinctions can be triggered by a variety of catastrophic events, such as asteroid impacts, volcanic eruptions, and rapid climate changes. While diseases can also affect populations, genetic diversity within species often provides resilience against complete extinction. In contrast, the current loss of biodiversity is predominantly driven by human activities, which have led to habitat loss, climate change, and overconsumption of resources. Recognizing these patterns is essential for conservation efforts aimed at preserving the rich tapestry of life on Earth for future generations.