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Mass Extinctions Throughout Earth's History

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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.

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.

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Cuvier's evidence for extinction

Fossil research showing species had vanished, challenging species immutability.

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Role of extinction in Darwin's theory

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

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Current understanding of species extinction rate

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

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