The Weight of Life

The video explores the concept of biomass, highlighting that humans and their livestock make up a significant portion of mammalian biomass but are a minor part of Earth's total biomass. It discusses the distribution of biomass among animals, with fish and arthropods being the most significant. The video emphasizes that plants dominate Earth's biomass, making it a 'plant planet.' It also reflects on human impact on the environment, noting our power to cause change but also our small role in Earth's history. The video concludes by advocating for a realistic perspective on our place in the world.

What percentage of total animal biomass do humans account for?

• 2.5%

• 10%

• 29%

• 42%

Which group makes up the largest portion of animal biomass?

• Mammals

• Fish

• Arthropods

• Aquatic invertebrates

What is the largest component of Earth's total biomass?

• Bacteria

• Plants

• Animals

• Fungi

How does the biomass of bacteria compare to that of humans?

• Bacteria weigh less than humans

• Bacteria weigh about 200 times more than humans

• Bacteria weigh about the same as humans

• Bacteria weigh twice as much as humans

What is the main message regarding human impact on Earth?

• Humans are the most important life form on Earth

• Humans have no impact on Earth's environment

• Earth cannot survive without humans

• Humans have a significant impact but are a small part of Earth's history