Extinctions: Past and Present
Discover the diversity of life on earth, the impacts of five past mass extinctions and the prospect of a sixth extinction today.
Who is the course for?
The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in science or environmental issues. No previous experience is required. While scientific names are used, to for example identify extinct life forms, knowing these is not required to follow the course. We do offer glossaries and explain terms as we go along so you will be able to follow the themes of the course.
What topics will you cover?
The five past mass extinctions and their impact on life on earth
What we know about the past from the fossil record
The earliest forms of life
From simple to complex life forms
Extinction and radiation as drivers of change
Likely causes of mass extinctions throughout earth’s history
Current threats to biodiversity
What we can do to reduce the risk of a ‘sixth extinction’
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to…
Identify how the five past mass extinctions have impacted life on earth by looking at changes across the fossil record
Debate the prospect of a sixth extinction today drawing on knowledge from past extinction events
Investigate how understanding the past extinction events helps us respond to contemporary environmental challenges
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