TED-ED: When will the next mass extinction occur? - Borths, D'Emic, and Pritchard

The video explores mass extinction events, highlighting the impact of volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts on ecosystems. It discusses the Permian-Triassic extinction, the largest in history, and recent extinctions linked to climate change and human activity. The video emphasizes the role of humans in both causing and potentially preventing extinctions, urging the use of knowledge to foster a diverse future.

What were the two major events that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs?

• Asteroid impact and rising sea levels

• Ice age and volcanic eruptions

• Volcanic eruptions and a large asteroid impact

• Invasive species and climate change

What is the term used for a rapid loss of species in a short geological time?

• Background extinction

• Mass extinction event

• Gradual extinction

• Localized extinction

What was the supercontinent called that formed during the largest mass extinction event?

• Atlantis

• Pangaea

• Laurasia

• Gondwana

Which of the following species went extinct due to ice sheet fluctuations?

• Pterosaurs

• Giant ground sloths

• Dinosaurs

• Marine reptiles

What is one reason for the extinction of large mammals during recent climate changes?

• Overhunting by humans

• Volcanic eruptions

• Rising sea levels

• Asteroid impacts

How have human activities affected current extinction rates?

• They have decreased extinction rates

• They have no impact on extinction rates

• They have increased extinction rates significantly

• They have stabilized extinction rates

What can humans do to prevent future extinctions?

• Focus solely on technological advancement

• Continue current practices

• Learn from past events and adapt

• Ignore past extinction events