How Much Does Humanity Weigh?

The video explores the concept of living matter and biomass, focusing on how biomass is distributed among mammals, with humans and livestock dominating. It discusses historical changes in biomass, including the Quaternary Megafauna extinction and the rise of agriculture. The video highlights the significant increase in total mammal biomass due to humans and livestock, despite a decrease in wild mammal biomass. It concludes with a call for thoughtful consideration of these changes and their environmental impact.

What is the primary element used to measure biomass?

• Oxygen

• Carbon

• Hydrogen

• Nitrogen

Which two groups make up the majority of mammal biomass?

• Humans and wild mammals

• Wild mammals and agricultural animals

• Cows and wild mammals

• Humans and cows

What event is associated with a significant drop in wild mammal biomass 10,000 years ago?

• Ice Age

• Agricultural Revolution

• Quaternary Megafauna extinction

• Industrial Revolution

How has total mammal biomass changed in the last 100,000 years?

• Increased by 800%

• Decreased by 50%

• Decreased by 85%

• Remained stable

What is a key takeaway regarding the current state of biomass and human impact?

• Wild mammal biomass is increasing

• The changes are rapid and require thoughtful action

• The Earth has fewer complex brains than before

• The changes are slow and insignificant