Great Five extinction events

Referenced in 1 episode

Definition

Five significant periods in Earth's history marked by a rapid loss of biodiversity, often attributed to catastrophic factors like climate change, volcanic eruptions, and asteroid impacts.

Related episodes

Episode #015: Taphonomy: How Fossils are Found - Younger Dryas Catastrophe

KosmographiaJan 28, 2020

In this episode, Randall Carlson explores the devastating impact of the 'Great Five' extinction events on Earth’s biodiversity. He discusses how certain Pleistocene megafauna remains have been found in unique taphonomic circumstances, raising questions about their extinction. The conversation reveals insights from scientific literature that could reshape our understanding of Earth's history.

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