The Sixth Mass Extinction and Climate Change

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to climate change and the sixth mass extinction.

The Sixth Mass Extinction

Current ongoing extinction event caused by human activities, impacting biodiversity.

Anthropocene

The current geological epoch, characterized by significant human impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems.

Gaia Hypothesis

The theory that the Earth's biological and inorganic components form a complex system that maintains conditions for life.

Tuskless Elephants

Elephants that have evolved to not grow tusks, a response to poaching pressures.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place caused by human activities.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Extinction Event

A widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth.

Hominids

A diverse family of species including humans, their ancestors, and relatives.

Megafauna

Large animals, typically defined as those weighing over 44 kg (97 lbs) at maturity.

Intelligence and Climate Change

Research suggesting a link between evolutionary changes in human intelligence and climate alterations.

Evolutionary Conflict or Cooperation

A theme emphasizing the need for collaboration to address climate issues compared to competition.

Resilience

The ability to recover from disturbances or adapt to change, particularly in the context of ecosystems or communities.

Vulnerability

The susceptibility of a species or community to harm due to external stresses, including climate change.

Carbon Emissions

The release of carbon into the atmosphere, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels, contributing to climate change.

Health Emergency

A critical situation affecting public health, recognized by organizations like the AMA in the context of climate change.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.