Understanding Extinction

The video discusses extinction, starting with the meteor event that wiped out most dinosaurs, and highlights that some species, like birds, survived. It then explores more subtle forms of extinction caused by gradual environmental changes, where species adapt or evolve. The video examines modern extinction trends, showing increased rates since 1500 due to human activities. It emphasizes the impact of habitat loss, agriculture, pollution, and global warming on biodiversity, stressing the importance of maintaining diverse ecosystems for resilience against change.

What event is believed to have caused the extinction of most dinosaurs?

• A global ice age

• A massive flood

• A large meteor impact

• A volcanic eruption

Which modern-day animals are thought to have descended from dinosaurs?

• Amphibians

• Birds

• Mammals

• Reptiles

How can gradual environmental changes affect species?

• They have no effect on species

• They cause species to migrate

• They can lead to adaptation or evolution

• They always lead to extinction

What does the extinction data since 1500 show?

• No change in extinction rates

• A stable extinction rate

• A decrease in extinction rates

• An increase in extinction rates

What is the main cause of increased extinction rates since 1500?

• Solar flares

• Alien invasions

• Human activities

• Natural disasters

How has human land use contributed to extinction?

• By increasing biodiversity

• By altering and destroying habitats

• By creating new habitats

• By preserving natural ecosystems

What is a major source of extinction related to human activities?

• Overfishing

• Renewable energy

• Space exploration

• Urban gardening

Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?

• It makes ecosystems less stable

• It reduces the number of species

• It helps ecosystems adapt to changes

• It has no impact on ecosystems

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to extinction?

• Pollution

• Increased rainfall

• Invasive species

• Global warming

What happens to a species once it goes extinct?

• It can evolve into a new species

• It can be brought back with technology

• It is gone forever

• It can migrate to a new habitat