What does "evolution" study" ?

Are all species going to extinguish?

What do you learn about this ted talk ?

Paleontology studies evolution, i.e., it examines species changes over years for
adaptation. It also explores how new species arise from common ancestors through
natural selection. Additionally, it studies extinction mechanisms.

Species have a beginning and an end. Typically, species go extinct within a two-million-
year period, according to paleontological studies. Species can also become extinct
simultaneously due to drastic climate changes. However, the fate of species is not
solely dictated by the passage of time. Drastic environmental shifts, such as those
triggered by meteorite impacts or volcanic eruptions, can hasten the demise of multiple
species simultaneously. Take, for instance, the cataclysmic event when a massive
meteorite collided with Earth, propelling a vast cloud of dust and debris into the
atmosphere. This cloud shrouded the planet, blocking sunlight and disrupting
ecosystems, ultimately leading to the extinction of numerous species.Similarly,
volcanic eruptions can unleash torrents of lava and gases, altering the climate and
wreaking havoc on global ecosystems. The release of carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases can induce rapid climate change, pushing species to their limits and
driving them towards extinction. Such events have occurred throughout Earth's history,
leaving behind a trail of extinction events recorded in the fossil record.

It's normal for animals to go extinct, but humans have consistently driven species to
extinction at an unprecedented rate. We cause many species to vanish simultaneously,
and currently, we have accelerated and heightened their extinction. History provides
an estimate of how many species should go extinct per year, but due to human impact,
the actual number exceeds historical averages. Causes include hunting, climate
change, habitat loss, and pollutants like waste. The study of paleontology provides
invaluable insights into the mechanisms driving species extinction. By examining past
extinction events, scientists can better understand the complex interplay between
environmental factors and biological resilience.

From the video, I learned that we can make predictions about the future by
understanding the past. Knowing our history is crucial for understanding the trajectory
of life's developments. For example, by studying extinctions throughout Earth's history,
humans have learned about mass extinctions caused by sudden climate changes.
We've also observed that, on average, a species goes extinct approximately every two
million years, which is considered normal. What's abnormal is that we're causing
extinctions at a rate higher than what would be considered normal.

Through paleontology, humans have gleaned the ability to forecast the future by
analyzing extinction rates via the examination of past mass extinctions, Species are at
a greater risk of extinction due to our actions. Earth has undergone natural climate
changes that serve as models for understanding the potential impacts of human-
induced climate change, caused by greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

Another interesting thing I learned is that a species' survival depends on its size, diet,
and habitat range. It's intriguing how being small or medium-sized, having a varied diet,
and living in multiple regions of the world ensure that a species is not at risk of
extinction. Examples include rats, humans, and cockroaches.