- Scientists studied shark and ray fossils.
- They looked at fossils from a very long time.
- They wanted to know why species die.
- The team found that young species die more.
- Older species usually survive longer.
- Sometimes many species disappeared at once.
- Sometimes new species appeared after loss.
- Now humans add extra pressure on these animals.
Difficult words
- fossil — an old animal or plant in rockfossils
- species — a group of similar animals or plants
- die — to stop living and not exist anymore
- survive — to continue living after danger or time
- disappear — to stop being seen or go awaydisappeared
- pressure — a force or effect on people or animals
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen a fossil?
- Do humans add pressure on animals where you live?
- Would you visit a museum with fossils?
Related articles
DRC launches Kivu‑Kinshasa Green Corridor to protect forests and help communities
Armed groups now control almost half of Virunga National Park and divert USD 30 million a year, say authorities. The government created the Kivu‑Kinshasa Green Corridor on 15 January 2025 to protect forests and boost green jobs.
Jaw membrane in ancient Thrinaxodon may be an early eardrum
Researchers used CT scans and engineering simulations on a Thrinaxodon fossil. Their models show a membrane in the jaw could work as an eardrum, pushing the origin of sensitive mammal hearing back by nearly 50 million years.
Chepang Landscape proposed as an OECM in Nepal
The Government of Nepal has proposed the Chepang Landscape as an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure (OECM). The area is community-managed and important for biodiversity, but land-rights and cultural concerns must be addressed.
