Extinctions: Past and Present

Online Course

University of Cape Town

Future Learn

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Extinctions: Past and Present

What is the course about?
Prerequisites & Facts
Cost, Certificate & Degree
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What is the course about?

Extinctions: Past and Present

The course Extinctions: Past and Present is an online class provided by University of Cape Town through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Discover the diversity of life on earth, the impacts of five past mass extinctions and the prospect of a sixth extinction today.

Course description

5 weeks

This free online course explores how life on earth has been shaped by five mass extinction events in the distant past. At present, biodiversity is facing a crisis, with the prospect of a sixth extinction event today. Explore the five mass extinctions of the past Each week there are discussions with scientists about how their research informs us about the biodiversity of our planet including the very first life forms; fish and tetrapod diversification; the radiation of reptiles and dinosaurs; and the rise of mammals. We focus on the five previous mass extinction events that have shaped the biodiversity of our planet. The fossil record reveals evidence of species that went extinct during these mass extinctions and the new opportunities created for the surviving biota to diversify. The threat of a “sixth extinction” today Turning to the present and the anthropocene period, we look at how human behaviour is now beginning to impact the Earth’s ecosystems. We consider the threat of the so-called ‘sixth extinction’, finding out how our actions are reducing biodiversity and threatening the survival of many species. Learn with one of the world’s leading paleontologists ‘Extinctions: Past and Present’ is created by the University of Cape Town, and filmed on location at South Africa’s Iziko Museum, West Coast Fossil Park, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, and the Table Mountain National Park. You will learn with Professor Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan – an acclaimed paleobiologist, author of a range of academic and children’s books on fossils, and former South African Woman of the Year. In 2013 she was awarded The World Academy of Science’s Sub-Saharan Prize for the Public Understanding and Popularization of Science.

The five past mass extinctions and their impact on life on earth
What we know about the past from the fossil record
The earliest forms of life
From simple to complex life forms
Extinction and radiation as drivers of change
Likely causes of mass extinctions throughout earth’s history
Current threats to biodiversity
What we can do to reduce the risk of a ‘sixth extinction’

Identify how the five past mass extinctions have impacted life on earth by looking at changes across the fossil record
Debate the prospect of a sixth extinction today drawing on knowledge from past extinction events
Investigate how understanding the past extinction events helps us respond to contemporary environmental challenges

The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in science or environmental issues. No previous experience is required. While scientific names are used, to for example identify extinct life forms, knowing these is not required to follow the course. We do offer glossaries and explain terms as we go along so you will be able to follow the themes of the course.

University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town is one of the leading higher education and research institutions on the African continent and has a tradition of academic excellence that is respected worldwide.

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Prerequisites & Facts

Extinctions: Past and Present

Course Topic

Biology and Biotechnology, Nature & Environment, Science, Engineering & Maths

University, College, Institution

University of Cape Town

Course Skill Level

see course summary

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

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Degree & Cost

Extinctions: Past and Present

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / University of Cape Town you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.

University of Cape Town

Extinctions: Past and Present

provided by Future Learn

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