extinction (biology)

Think of all the animals and plants on Earth today. There are millions! But, in the history of Earth there are many more that have gone extinct. In this colorful volume, readers get a crash course in how and why a species may become extinct. Including understandable information about what scientists believe happened when life began, evolution, the dinosaurs, and how all of these plays a role in the ecosystems of today, this book is essential to the young reader's science library.

"A book for middle-school-aged children about previous extinctions and possible threats to humans, from volcanoes, to asteroids, to pollution and diseases"--Provided by publisher.

"Over the last half-billion years, there have been five mass extinctions, when the diversity of life on earth suddenly and dramatically contracted. Scientists around the world are monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. Adapting from her New York Times-bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-winning adult nonfiction, Elizabeth Kolbert explores the Anthropocene era: the era defined by human impact. This young readers adaptation is made accessible with its additional explanations of scientific concepts. Along with photographs from the original book, the adaptation includes illustrations to help make the past, present, and future of extinction compelling for younger readers"--Provided by publisher.

"Marc Schlossman's revealing photographs of endangered and extinct specimens from the Field Museum, Chicago, are accompanied by compelling and informative commentaries exploring the factors that threaten these species or caused their extinction"--Back cover.

"In 'What We Owe the Future,' Oxford philosopher William MacAskill . . . [argues] that people not only have equal moral worth no matter where or how they live, but also no matter when they live. This idea has implications beyond the obvious (climate change)--including literally making sure that there are people in the future: It's not unusual to hear someone way, 'Oh, I could never bring a child into this world.' MacAskill argues that the sentiment itself may well be immoral: we have a responsibility not just to consider whether the world of the future will be suitable for supporting humans, but to act to make sure there are humans in it. And while it may seem that the destructive capacity of modern industrial technology means that we ought to eschew it as much as possible, MacAskill argues for optimism in our ability to (eventually) get technology right, for the future's benefit, and ours"--Provided by publisher.

A resource on fossils and the stories they tell of the history of life on Earth.

A collection of articles that offers varying perspectives on issues related to the causes and effects of mass extinction and whether it can be prevented.

An intergovernmental science agency recently concluded that one million species, plants, and animals are at risk of extinction because of nature's dangerous decline. What is the cause of this decline? And what are humans doing to protect themselves and other species? Readers will discover the facts behind this issue, the interconnectedness of species on Earth, and the immediate action needed to address the rapid loss of biodiversity.

From problems with agriculture to greenhouse gases released by the burning of fossil fuels, scientists know why Earth is heating up. But around the world, many leaders have been slow to make the changes needed to combat climate change. Many kids today are aware of the climate crisis, and this book takes them through the causes of it as well as examples--like wildfires and the melting polar ice--that show how a warmer world climate is harming Earth. Age-appropriate solutions are presented throughout the book, encouraging readers to take charge of the future of Earth in their own way.

"A book for young readers about how climate change is related to the extinction or potential extinction of many plants and animals"--Provided by publisher.