Name: Mass extinctions and the future of life on Earth
Uploaded: 2019-02-15T23:00:01Z
Duration: 16 min 50 s
Description: Rich scientific evidence comes from the history of life on Earth -- we just have to ask the right questions to find it. Whether it's figuring out the cause of the dodo bird's extinction or the bite force of a Tyrannosaurus rex, paleontologist Michael Benton shares some offbeat quandaries from the past, present and future.

Rich scientific evidence comes from the history of life on Earth -- we just have to ask the right questions to find it. Whether it's figuring out the cause of the dodo bird's extinction or the bite force of a Tyrannosaurus rex, paleontologist Michael Benton shares some offbeat quandaries from the past, present and future.

Michael Benton: Mass extinctions and the future of life on Earth

Mass extinctions and the future of life on Earth

Paleontologist - Head of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol.

At the heart of paleontology lies a guide for the future, revealing through ancient extinctions how today’s choices may shape tomorrow.

The bite of a T. rex, quantified at 50,000 newtons, showcases the power of scientific progress in understanding our planet's past.

Human-induced extinction rates are at least 100 times the natural rate, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.