When the Rainforests Collapsed

The video explores the history of Hylonomus, the earliest known reptile, and the Carboniferous Rainforest Collapse, a significant extinction event. This event, driven by climate change, led to the decline of swampy forests and dominant amphibians, paving the way for the rise of amniotes. These early reptiles adapted to drier conditions, eventually giving rise to modern reptiles, birds, and mammals. The video highlights the geological evidence of this period and the evolutionary significance of the amniotes' adaptations.

What was the primary habitat of Hylonomus?

• Arctic tundra

• Desert plains

• Swampy forests

• Mountainous regions

What major event is referred to as the Carboniferous Rainforest Collapse?

• The rise of dinosaurs

• The disappearance of humid forests

• The extinction of marine life

• The formation of the first continents

Which type of plant replaced the lycopsids during the rainforest collapse?

• Tree ferns

• Coniferous trees

• Flowering plants

• Cacti

What geological activity is thought to have contributed to the rainforest collapse?

• Tsunamis

• Volcanic eruptions

• Earthquakes

• Meteor impacts

How did the amniotes benefit from the collapse of the rainforests?

• They became aquatic creatures

• They could lay eggs on dry land

• They developed the ability to fly

• They started living in caves

What adaptation helped amniotes thrive in drier climates?

• Scales to retain moisture

• Wings for flight

• Gills for breathing underwater

• Thick fur for warmth

Which of the following is a characteristic of amniotes that distinguished them from amphibians?

• Ability to photosynthesize

• Laying eggs in water

• Presence of an amnion

• Living exclusively in water