The Sixth Mass Extinction

Are we in the middle of a sixth mass extinction?

Introduction

Over the course of the history of the Earth many species have come and gone. Five times in the past there have been mass extinction events during which a large number of species were wiped from the face of the Earth. These extinction events were natural, possibly caused by asteroids, changes in oxygen levels, or changes in climate. Today, however, we potentially face a mass extinction event that may not be natural.

Task

1. Research the data surrounding a sixth mass extinction that may be occurring in the present age.

2. Based on your research, Determine whether you believe we are in the middle of a sixth mass extinction.

3. Prepare a Presentation (try making a Prezi!) to share your point of view with the class. In your presentation make sure to include the following:

An overview of the 5 major mass extinctions that have happened in the past.
A discussion about how extinctions are happening in the world today. What is causing them? What types of species have gone extinct or are in danger of going extinct and why?
Your opinion as to whether we are in the middle of a sixth mass extinction or not.
Evidence to support your opinion. This could be data, comparisons of past and current extinctions, or the viewpoints of experts. This should be a well-developed argument with multiple points to support your view.

Learning Targets

Biodiversity and Evolution Step 5: Understands why some species that once lived on Earth have completely disappeared.