Mass Extinctions

The video explores the history of mass extinctions on Earth, detailing five major events: Ordovician-Silurian, Devonian, Permian-Triassic, Triassic-Jurassic, and Cretaceous-Tertiary. It discusses the causes, such as climate change, asteroid impacts, and volcanic eruptions, and their effects on marine and land life. The video also highlights current extinction rates driven by human activities, suggesting a potential sixth mass extinction.

What percentage of species must go extinct for an event to be classified as a mass extinction?

• 90%

• 75%

• 50%

• 25%

Which supercontinent's movement is believed to have contributed to the Ordovician-Silurian Mass Extinction?

• Gondwana

• Rodinia

• Laurasia

• Pangaea

What is a possible cause of the Devonian Extinction according to some theories?

• Gamma ray bursts

• Tectonic shifts

• Solar flares

• Massive flooding

Which event is known as the 'Great Dying'?

• Permian-Triassic Extinction

• Cretaceous-Tertiary Extinction

• Ordovician-Silurian Extinction

• Devonian Extinction

What major event is associated with the Cretaceous-Tertiary Extinction?

• Gamma ray burst

• Formation of Pangaea

• Asteroid impact in Yucatan

• Volcanic eruptions in Siberia

Which extinction event paved the way for the age of dinosaurs?

• Ordovician-Silurian Extinction

• Permian-Triassic Extinction

• Triassic-Jurassic Extinction

• Cretaceous-Tertiary Extinction

What is a current human-driven factor contributing to potential mass extinction?

• Stable climate

• Decreasing CO2 levels

• Increased biodiversity

• Rising CO2 levels