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Are We in Sixth Mass Extinction

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Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 5678
Subjects: scienceela
Standards: MS-ESS1-4
Languages: English, Spanish

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Reading passage

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About this reader

science,ela

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

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Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

Extinct birds : an attempt to unite in one volume a short account of those birds which have become extinct in historical times : that is, within the last six or seven hundred years : to which are added a few which still exist, but are on the verge of extinction. Extinct birds (Plate 5a) BHL38665721" by Rothschild, Lionel Walter Rothschild / Wikimedia Commons

Evidence shows that Earth may be entering a sixth mass extinction. Scientists observe that species are disappearing much faster than normal. The current extinction rate is 100 to 1,000 times higher than the natural rate. This means animals and plants are vanishing at alarming speeds.

A mass extinction occurs when many species die out in a short time. Earth has experienced five major mass extinctions in the past. The most famous happened 66 million years ago when an asteroid struck Earth. This event killed the dinosaurs and about 75 percent of all species. Another mass extinction occurred 252 million years ago due to massive volcanic eruptions. These natural disasters changed Earth's climate and destroyed habitats worldwide.

Today's extinction crisis has different causes. Habitat loss is the biggest threat to species survival. Humans cut down forests, drain wetlands, and convert wild areas into farms and cities. Animals lose their homes and food sources. Climate change also harms species by altering temperatures and weather patterns. Many organisms cannot adapt quickly enough to survive. Pollution poisons air, water, and soil, making environments unsafe for wildlife.

Scientists studied extinction rates by examining fossil records and modern data. They found that normally, one to five species go extinct per year. Currently, dozens of species disappear each day. The Amazon rainforest provides a clear example. Deforestation destroys habitats for thousands of species. Scientists estimate that 137 plant and animal species vanish from rainforests daily. Many disappear before researchers can even study them.

This potential sixth mass extinction matters because biodiversity supports all life on Earth. Each species plays a role in its ecosystem. When species disappear, food chains break down. Humans depend on healthy ecosystems for clean air, fresh water, and food. Unlike past extinctions caused by asteroids or volcanoes, humans are the primary cause this time. Scientists explain that our actions determine whether this extinction continues or slows down.

Interesting Fact: Scientists estimate that Earth is home to about 8.7 million species, but humans have only identified and named about 1.2 million of them. Many species may go extinct before we ever discover they existed.

How much faster is the current extinction rate compared to the natural rate?

10 to 50 times faster100 to 1,000 times faster5,000 to 10,000 times fasterExactly the same speed

What caused the mass extinction that killed the dinosaurs 66 million years ago?

Massive volcanic eruptionsClimate changeAn asteroid strikeHuman activity

What does the term 'habitat loss' mean in the passage?

Animals moving to new locationsThe destruction of natural environments where species liveChanges in weather patternsThe discovery of new species

According to the passage, what is biodiversity?

The study of extinct speciesThe number of forests on EarthThe variety of different species living in an ecosystemThe rate at which species reproduce

Based on the passage, why does habitat loss threaten species survival?

It causes asteroids to strike EarthIt makes volcanoes erupt more oftenAnimals lose their homes and food sourcesIt increases the number of predators

How many plant and animal species vanish from rainforests daily, according to scientists?

About 10 speciesAbout 50 speciesAbout 137 speciesAbout 500 species

What can you infer about the relationship between human actions and the current extinction crisis?

Human actions have no effect on extinction ratesHumans are the primary cause and can influence the outcomeOnly natural disasters cause extinctionsHumans can only study extinctions, not prevent them

If climate change continues to alter temperatures rapidly, what would likely happen to many species?

They would all adapt successfullyThey would move to other planetsMany could not adapt quickly enough and would dieThey would become stronger and larger

True or False: Past mass extinctions on Earth were caused by human activities.

TrueFalse

True or False: Scientists have identified and named all species living on Earth.

TrueFalse

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This comprehensive middle school science reading passage examines whether Earth is entering a sixth mass extinction event. Students explore evidence showing that species are disappearing 100 to 1000 times faster than the natural extinction rate. The passage investigates major causes including habitat lossclimate changeand pollution—most driven by human activities. Students compare current conditions to past mass extinctions caused by asteroids and volcanic eruptionsunderstanding that this time humans may be the primary cause. Audio-integrated content supports diverse learners while maintaining alignment to NGSS MS-ESS1-4 and MS-ESS1.C standards. The passage includes cause-and-effect analysisreal-world examplesand scientific evidence to help students understand Earth's history and the role of human activity in shaping our planet's future. Activities include comprehension questionswriting promptsand graphic organizers that reinforce critical thinking about biodiversityextinction ratesand environmental responsibility.