The 5 Times Life on Earth Almost Ended
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell • 2025-07-24T14:00:34Z • 2:50 • intermediate • Science
Lead
Have you ever wondered how life on Earth has survived countless near-extinctions? Discover the five catastrophic events that almost wiped out life as we know it!
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Vocabulary
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carnage
/ˈkɑrnɪdʒ/
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Definition
The killing of a large number of people or animals; a massacre.
Example
The battle left a scene of carnage on the battlefield.
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annihilation
/əˌnaɪəˈleɪʃən/
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Definition
The act of destroying completely; total destruction.
Example
The annihilation of the species was a tragic consequence of environmental changes.
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depleted
/dɪˈpliːtɪd/
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Definition
Reduced in quantity or value; emptied.
Example
The overfishing led to depleted fish stocks in the ocean.
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dominant
/ˈdɑːmɪnənt/
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Definition
Having power and influence over others; most important or powerful.
Example
The dominant species in the ecosystem are often the largest predators.
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extinction
/ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/
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Definition
The state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct.
Example
The extinction of the dinosaurs changed the course of evolution on Earth.
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heralded
/ˈhɛrələd/
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Definition
To be a sign that something is about to happen; to announce or proclaim.
Example
The arrival of spring is heralded by the blooming of flowers.
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