Understanding What a Mass Extinction Is
A mass extinction is an event where a large number of species disappear in a relatively short period of time. These rare events change life on Earth forever.
How Mass Extinctions Happen
They can be triggered by volcanic eruptions, climate shifts, asteroid impacts, or rapid changes in ecosystems. These events disrupt food chains and habitats.
The Five Major Mass Extinctions
Ordovician-Silurian: Marine life suffered greatly.
Late Devonian: Many ocean species vanished.
Permian-Triassic: The largest extinction in history.
Triassic-Jurassic: Cleared the way for dinosaurs.
Cretaceous-Paleogene: Ended the dinosaurs.
What Happens After a Mass Extinction
Once many species disappear, new ones evolve and fill empty roles in ecosystems. These recoveries take millions of years.
Why Mass Extinctions Matter
They reset life on Earth. Each event reshaped biodiversity, opening space for new species, including eventually humans.
Are Humans Causing a New One?
Some scientists believe human activities—climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution—are accelerating species loss today.
The Simple Takeaway
A mass extinction is a rapid, global loss of species that transforms life on Earth. These events reshape ecosystems and mark major turning points in history.