Holocene Extinction Timeline
Our planet has experienced five major mass extinctions events in the past. These extinctions were termed as:
- End Ordovician (444 million years ago)
- Late Devonian (360 million years ago)
- End Permian (250 million years ago)
- End Triassic (200 million years ago)
- End Cretaceous (65 million years ago)
|
Extinction Event |
Age(million years ago) |
Percentage of Species lost |
Causes of extinction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
End Ordovician |
444 |
86% |
The intense melting of glaciers created strong tides in the ocean and destroyed as well as moved the shoreline. The tectonic uplift of the Appalachian mountains created lots of weathering, sequestration of carbon dioxide, and with it, changes in climate and ocean chemistry. |
|
Late Devonian |
360 |
75% |
Due to the rapid growth and diversification of land plants, there was the generation of rapid and severe global cooling. |
|
End Permian |
250 |
96% |
Intense volcanic activity in Siberia. This caused global warming. High carbon dioxide and sulphur levels due to this volcanic activity led to acidification of the ocean, acid rain, and other chemical changes in the land as well as the ocean. |
|
End Triassic |
200 |
80% |
Underwater volcanic activity in the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) caused global warming. Due to this, there was a drastic change in the chemical composition of the oceans. |
|
End Cretaceous |
65 |
76% |
Asteroid impact in Yucatán, Mexico. It resulted in a global cataclysm and rapid cooling. Some changes may have already pre-dated this asteroid, with intense volcanic activity and tectonic uplift. Wiped off the Dinosaurs. |
6th Mass Extinction – Holocene Extinction
The Holocene extinction is also known as the 6th mass extinction. It is characterized by the massive extinction of biodiversity due to human activities. It is an ongoing process that began around 11,700 years ago.
According to scientists, we are currently in the middle of Holocene extinction. Understanding and addressing the causes of the Holocene extinction is crucial for the long-term health of ecosystems and the well-being of the planet.
Table of Content
- Holocene Extinction?
- What is Mass Extinction?
- Holocene Extinction Timeline
- Human Activity in Holocene Extinction
- Results of Holocene Extinction
- Can Holocene Extinction be Stopped?
- Conclusion – Holocene Extinction
- FAQs on Holocene Extinction
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