‘Extinctions’ is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the impact of mass extinction on Earth. The film explores the fact that more than 90 percent of all organisms that have ever lived on Earth are extinct. As new species evolve to fit ever-changing ecological niches, older species fade away. But the rate of extinction is far from constant. At least a handful of times in the last 500 million years, 50 to more than 90 percent of all species on Earth have disappeared in a geological blink of an eye.
The film examines the causes of these mass extinction events, which are unsolved mysteries. Though volcanic eruptions and the impacts of large asteroids or comets are prime suspects in many of the cases. Both would eject tons of debris into the atmosphere, darkening the skies for at least months on end. Starved of sunlight, plants and plant-eating creatures would quickly die. Space rocks and volcanoes could also unleash toxic and heat-trapping gases that—once the dust settled—enable runaway global warming.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to present a realistic and detailed picture of the impact of mass extinction on Earth. It encourages viewers to think about how it has shaped the planet and the potential consequences of future mass extinction events.
Overall, ‘Extinctions’ is a must-see film for anyone interested in understanding the impact of mass extinction on Earth. It offers a glimpse into the past and encourages viewers to think about how it could shape the future of our planet.