Science·Dinosaurs & Paleontology·conceptual
Mass Extinctions in Earth History
Compare the five major mass extinction events in Earth history (End-Ordovician, Late Devonian, End-Permian, End-Triassic, K-Pg), describe proposed kill mechanisms for each (glaciation, oceanic anoxia, volcanic mega-eruptions, asteroid impact), and explain why mass extinctions, while catastrophic, also open ecological space for subsequent evolutionary radiations
Suggested ages 12–14
Evidence of understanding
- Names all five major mass extinctions in chronological order with approximate dates
- Describes the End-Permian extinction as the most severe and links it to the Siberian Traps volcanic eruption and its atmospheric consequences
- Explains how each mass extinction was followed by an adaptive radiation — e.g. the K-Pg extinction removing non-avian dinosaurs allowed mammals to diversify and eventually produce humans
Assessment prompt
Can Mass Extinctions in Earth History explain that the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs was actually the fifth mass extinction in Earth history — and describe what happened in the worst one, which killed over 90% of all species?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.