Science Dinosaurs & Paleontology Conceptual 12–14 yrs

Mass Extinctions in Earth History

地球历史上的大规模灭绝

Description

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

Mastery Evidence

✓ 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 your child 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?