extinction, Mommy Explains Everything

what is evolution - snake

Uncovering the Secrets of the Natural World: The Theory of Evolution

Explain to children in kid friendly terms theory of evolution, including natural selection and adaptation, and discover how different species have evolved over time. This is built as a conversation between my daughter and myself for interactive learning for kids.

Akku: Mom, I learned about the theory of evolution in biology class today and I have some questions. Can you explain it to me more?

Of course, Akku. Evolution is the process by which living organisms change and adapt over time in response to their environment. It’s a natural process that has been occurring on Earth for billions of years.

Akku: Okay, that makes sense. But how does evolution actually happen?

Well, evolution occurs through a process called natural selection. In natural selection, certain traits or characteristics that are beneficial to an organism’s survival and reproduction are passed on to future generations. For example, if a group of animals live in an environment where there is not much food, the animals that are able to find food more efficiently will be more likely to survive and reproduce. Their offspring will then inherit their ability to find food efficiently, and over time, the population of animals will become better adapted to their environment.

What is evolution - dinosaur skeleton

Akku: That’s really interesting. So, evolution helps organisms to better survive in their environment?

Exactly. Evolution helps organisms to better survive and thrive in their environment. It’s an ongoing process that helps species to adapt to changes in their environment, such as changes in climate, food availability, and competition with other species.

Akku: I see. So, does that mean that humans have evolved too?

Yes, humans have evolved just like all other living organisms. Our ancestors were different from us in many ways, but over time, we have evolved to better survive and thrive in our environment.

What is evolution - forest

Akku: Can you give me some examples of how humans have evolved?

Sure. One example of how humans have evolved is in our ability to walk upright on two legs. This allowed us to explore new environments and find food more efficiently. Another example is the development of language, which has allowed us to communicate and cooperate with each other. We have also evolved to have a more complex brain, which has allowed us to develop tools, create art, and advance technologically.

Akku: Wow, that’s really cool. It’s amazing to think about how much we have changed and adapted over time.

It is indeed. Evolution is a powerful and fascinating process that has shaped the diversity of life on Earth. It’s important to understand how evolution works, as it helps us to better understand the world around us and our place in it.

what is evolution - humans

Akku: Yeah, I can see how that would be important. Thanks for explaining it to me, Mom.

You’re welcome, Akku. I’m happy to help. Do you have any more questions on the topic?

Akku: Not right now, but I might have more questions later. Thanks again, Mom.

No problem, Akku. I’m always here to help you learn and explore new ideas.

Extinction of dinosaurs

Akku: Mommy, Why aren’t there any more dinosaurs?

Well, about 65 million years ago, a huge rock from outer space called an asteroid smashed into the Earth, changing the climatic conditions so dramatically that dinosaurs could not survive.

Akku: Wow! How big was it? And where did it hit?

Oh dear, it was huge! It was about 10 miles in diameter and that asteroid’s name is ‘Chicxulub Impactor’. Scientists say it hit some where in Mexico.

asteroid

Akku : WOW! That asteroid was really BIG!! But it hit just Mexico, how did it create such a big impact, that it wiped out all the dinosaurs???

Well baby, that giant asteroid landed with a huge impact. The asteroid made lots of dust, dirt and rocks fly up into the air. All that dust and dirt covered around the planet and made the sky dark and covered the Sun. And many forest fires were caused too.

Akku : Then what happened?

All this dust led to a deadly chain of events. The dust blocked sun for a very long time. Without the Sun, all the plants died. Without the plants, all the plant-eaters died and without the plant-eaters, all the meat-eaters died.

Akku : That’s so sad. The asteroid made a HUGE difference in the world! And I really feel sorry for the dinosaurs. They also must have cared for their families, just like humans.

Yes true! But human race wouldn’t be there on earth today, if not for that asteroid.

Akku : What do you mean?

If not for the extinction of dinosaurs, mammals probably would’ve remained in the shadows, as they had been for over a hundred million years. Humans then, probably would’ve never been here.

mammals

Akku : That’s so interesting. What is the real meaning of the word extinct and why did just dinosaurs go extinct?

An animal is extinct when it doesn’t exist anymore anywhere in the world. It wasn’t just dinosaurs that went extinct. Among others that went extinct were: flying reptiles called pterosaurs, huge reptiles that swam in the ocean called plesiosaurs and pliosaurs, creatures with curled, spiral shells called ammonites, and lots of other plants and animals. But others survived. Different types of insects, lizards, crocodiles, mammals, birds, sharks, fish, crabs, snails, flowers, ferns and trees all made it through.

Akku : But without food and sunlight, how did they survive, Mom?

Scientists have many different theories on how other animals survived the extinction of dinosaurs. It could be because the animals were small and didn’t need much food. Maybe it was because they could eat crunchy seeds the dead plants left behind. Maybe it was because they could burrow into the ground to keep warm. And maybe some of those dry, crunchy seeds could grow into plants after they were buried for a long time.

Akku : Cool. But I wish still I could see dinosaurs.

Don’t worry baby. If you like to learn more about dinosaurs we could go to museums, and look at the intact skeletons and fossils. You can always read about them in books and watch them in movies and documentaries.

fossil

Akku : Thanks for the explanation Mama! I still have more questions, but I’ll ask you those later. Well then, see you later!

Ok baby! I am always here to help you.

No ones explains better than mom!

Mommy, What is the theory of evolution?