Earth's six major mass extinctions: an introduction
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Course Code: HS210
Duration: 1 session
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What is the course about?
This course examines some aspects of our current climate crisis and of the 5 mass extinctions that ravaged the earth over the last 450 million years. It will give you an appreciation for the fragility of ecosystems, which can be disrupted by even the smallest change. You will also learn how scientists date rocks and how they know these extinction events took place. Scientists have not entirely explained the causes of these events and a number of possibilities will be examined for each period. This is an opportunity for you to go beyond the extinction of the dinosaurs to planetary history that featured some of the most devastating mass extinctions.
What will we cover?
- The Holocene Extinction Event: Present Day
- The Extinction of the Dinosaurs: 65 million years ago
- The Triassic-Jurassic Extinction Event: 200 million years ago
- The Great Dying: 250 million years ago
- The Kellwasser - Hangenberg Event: 375 million years ago
- The Ordovician-Silurian Extinction Event: 450 million years ago.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- List the major extinction events
- Describe the key evidence that sheds light on these events
- Explain the mechanisms that contributed to the extinction event
- Learn about the fragility of ecosystems throughout prehistory.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory overview, no previous knowledge required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Combination of presentation, discussion and materials to view.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please do bring a notepad and pen.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HS168 Physics of life
HS285 Exploring the geology of the Lake District
HS023 Geology and London.
Charles T. G. Clarke hails from the Republic of Ireland. He specialises in Archaeology and Human Evolutionary research. With a Bacholar of Science in Applied Archaeology from the Institute of Technology Sligo and a Master of Science in Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology from the Institute of Archaeology (IOA) University College London (UCL). His work touches on aspects of the geological sciences from radiometric dating to an understanding of rock formation. He currently works as a Commercial Archaeologist with Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS) in the Republic of Ireland.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
