Latimeria chalumnae, more commonly known as the coelacanth (SEE-lee-uh-kanth), was thought to be extinct until a biologist identified one off the coast of South Africa in 1939.
scientist who studies living organisms.
underground chamber that opens to the surface. Cave entrances can be on land or in water.
person who designs, assembles, and manages an exhibit at a museum or other cultural center.
no longer existing.
environment where an organism lives throughout the year or for shorter periods of time.
to set one thing or organism apart from others.
person who studies the ocean.
a ridge of rocks, coral, or sand rising from the ocean floor all the way to or near the ocean's surface.
having to do with volcanoes.
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Extinction
Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from Earth. Species go extinct every year, but historically the average rate of extinction has been very slow with a few exceptions. The fossil record reveals five uniquely large mass extinction events during which significant events such as asteroid strikes and volcanic eruptions caused widespread extinctions over relatively short periods of time. Some scientists think we might have entered our sixth mass extinction event driven largely by human activity. Our planet is dependent on an interconnected system. If we lose one species, how does that impact the whole system? What if we lose hundreds? Help your students understand the gravity of extinction with these classroom resources.
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Extinction
Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from Earth. Species go extinct every year, but historically the average rate of extinction has been very slow with a few exceptions. The fossil record reveals five uniquely large mass extinction events during which significant events such as asteroid strikes and volcanic eruptions caused widespread extinctions over relatively short periods of time. Some scientists think we might have entered our sixth mass extinction event driven largely by human activity. Our planet is dependent on an interconnected system. If we lose one species, how does that impact the whole system? What if we lose hundreds? Help your students understand the gravity of extinction with these classroom resources.