TED: How to win at evolution and survive a mass extinction | Lauren Sallan

The video explores the concept of evolutionary success, highlighting that humans are among the few species that have survived mass extinctions. It delves into the role of fossils in understanding evolutionary patterns and focuses on the Devonian period and the Hangenberg event, where 96% of fish species perished. The video discusses how some species adapted and thrived post-extinction, while others became 'living fossils.' It concludes by emphasizing that as long as some species survive, life will continue to evolve, albeit over millions of years.

What does the speaker suggest about the relationship between size and survival in the aftermath of extinction?

How does the speaker differentiate between the paths taken by different species after mass extinction?

What implications does the speaker draw for the future of life on Earth based on past extinction events?