Explore

Extinctions: Past, Present, & Future

Approx. 17 hours to complete

Save Course

Go to Course

Course Summary

This course explores the causes and consequences of extinctions past, present, and future. Students will learn about the history of life on Earth and the various factors that have contributed to the extinction of species. The course also covers the current state of biodiversity and the potential for future extinctions.

Key Learning Points

Gain an understanding of the history of life on Earth and the factors that have contributed to past extinctions
Learn about the current state of biodiversity and the potential for future extinctions
Explore the various strategies for conserving endangered species and preserving biodiversity

Learning Outcomes

Understand the history of life on Earth and the factors that have contributed to past extinctions
Learn about the current state of biodiversity and the potential for future extinctions
Explore the various strategies for conserving endangered species and preserving biodiversity

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of biology and ecology
Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology
Marine Megafauna
Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Elizabeth Kolbert
David Attenborough
Jane Goodall

Related Books

Description

This course introduces you to the five mass extinctions of the pre-human past, their causes and significance to the history of life on earth, and the current mass extinction happening during our time. We’ll also explore the history of paleontology and geological study and review the key players that influenced the science today.

Regardless of your familiarity with the topic, you'll get portable handouts, lively demonstrations, and quizzes that bridge and enhance your knowledge.

Knowledge

Summarize extinctions as an important part of the history of life.
Identify the probable causes of mass extinctions in the geologic past (before humans).
Compare and contrast the Big Five mass extinctions with human-influenced extinctions.
Evaluate historical lessons and current trends to predict and prevent extinctions of the future.

Outline

Introduction to Extinctions: Getting Started with the End
Welcome!
Extinctions As a Concern for the 21st Century
"Mass" Extinction vs. "Normal" Extinction
When Is a Species Really Extinct? Exploring Lazarus, Elvis, & Zombie Taxa
How Extinctions Play a Role in Evolution
Why Studying Extinctions Is Critical for Our Survival
Course Outline & Grading Information
[Handout] Lazarus, Elvis & Zombie Taxa
Mass Extinctions & Evolution
The Insect Apocalypse & Our Present-Day Extinctions
Practice: Week 1
Graded: Week 1

Human Awareness of Extinctions: A History
Legends from Ancient & Indigenous Cultures
Renaissance & Post-Enlightenment Theories on Previous Life
The Birth of Modern Geology & Paleontology
Mary Anning & Her Fossil Discoveries
Victorian Dinosaurs & Extinctions
Fossil Myths, American Degeneracy, & Geology Origins
Early Paleontological Findings
Practice: Week 2
Graded: Week 2

Mass Extinctions of the Pre-Human Past
Global Ecological Crises & Mass Extinctions
The End-Ordovician Extinction: 444 Million Years Ago
The End-Devonian Extinction: 360 Million Years Ago
The End-Permian Extinction: 252 Million Years Ago
The End-Triassic Extinction: 201 Million Years Ago
The End-Cretaceous Extinction: 66 Million Years Ago
Mass Extinctions: Commonalities & Differences
Precambrian Life, the Rise of Oxygen, & Deadly Plants
Mammals, Asteroids, & Climate Change
[Handout] Geological Time Scale
[Handout] Timeline of Mass Extinctions
Practice: Week 3
Graded: Week 3

Extinctions of Pre-History & Near-Present (Pleistocene Epoch & Late Holocene Epoch)
European
North & South American
Australian
New Zealand & Madagascar
The "Overkill" Hypothesis & Habitat Alteration
Alternative Explanations: Climate Change, Diseases, & Meteorite Impact
The Ecological After-Effects of Megafauna Extinction
Neanderthals, Megafauna, & Theories on Biodiversity
After-Effects of & Theories About Megafaunal Extinction
Practice: Week 4
Graded: Week 4

Extinctions Since European Colonization & Going into the Future
The Anthropocene Epoch
Colonization & Habitat Alteration
The Rise of Conservation Biology
Successes & Failures of Conservation Biology
The "Rewilding" Hypothesis
"De-Extinction" or Bringing Back Extinct Species
Modern Climate Change & Extinctions
The Past Informs Our Future
The New Geologic Epoch & Habitat Alteration
Silent Spring, Rewilding, & Bringing Back the Dead
Modern Climate Change & the Human Factor
Practice: Week 5

Summary of User Reviews

Find out what people are saying about Extinctions: Past, Present, and Future course on Coursera. Learn about the overall rating and one key aspect that users found helpful. Read through pros and cons mentioned most often by users.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Many users found the course content informative and engaging.

Pros from User Reviews

The course is well-structured and easy to follow.
The instructors are knowledgeable and provide clear explanations.
The course is a great resource for anyone interested in learning about extinctions.
The course provides a comprehensive overview of past, present, and future extinctions.
The course offers a range of resources, including quizzes and readings.

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too basic and lacking in depth.
A few users found the course content to be too technical.
The course may not be suitable for those without a basic understanding of biology.
Some users felt that the course could be more interactive.
A few users experienced technical issues with the course platform.

Recommended for you

Mastering Ansible - From Beginner to Expert in Ansible

Learn and Master Ansible to expedite Scalable Orchestration, DevOps, and Automation with the Complete Ansible Curriculum It aims to help you master Ansible while tackling and learning multiple topics....

Save Course

Getting Started With Cryptocurrency | Bitcoin & More!

Everything You Need to Know About Cryptocurrency! From History to Investing | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin & More! How to purchase, spend, invest, trade, and even get free cryptocurrency by blogging?...

Save Course

HEART CENTERED REIKI CERTIFICATION - GRAND MASTER TEACHER

Channel Energy/ Chakra Balancing/Guided Meditations/Use Reiki Symbols/Heal Karma, Past, Present, Future, Ancestors, Pets Need a DISCOUNT CODE for any of my courses?...

Save Course