Fossils and Evolution
Join researchers in Svalbard as they map fossils that can reveal how life evolved after the great mass extinction 252 million years ago.
This learning unit has been developed by the Norwegian Centre for Science Education and the Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo and NRK School. The project has received support from the UiO Growth House at the University of Oslo.
60–90 minutes1 – Svalbard is a fossil treasure trove
252 million years ago, the largest mass extinction of species occurred on Earth. The mountains in Svalbard contain fossils of species that lived during this time.
45–60 minutes2 – Fieldwork and fossil discoveries
Join Jørn and Aubrey in Svalbard. Here, you will conduct fieldwork and find fossils of species that lived after the great mass extinction.
45–60 minutes3 – The evolution of life after the mass extinction
The fossils in Svalbard showcase various examples of evolution through natural selection. We can observe competition between species and the evolution of new species.