Chapter 4: The Luck of the Ammonites

In chapter 4 of The Sixth Extinction, Elizabeth Kolbert introduces us to scientists Walter Alvarez, the discoverer of asteroid dust in a thin layer of clay (bolide). This dust was found to come from the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period. Due to this, William Wells belief of catastrophes was supported. Later on in the chapter, we are introduced to ammonites. Ammonites are spiral shells with chambers that were found to have an animal inside. This asteroid was believed to have traveled 45,000 mph from the Yucatan Peninsula to North America. In return, the mass extinction of many species. Nevertheless, a quote that stood out to me was, "But mass extinctions were not to be confused with ‘catastrophes’” (p. 79). Almost as if Wyell continues to be proved wrong. (Q) I wonder if they're saying this because the event wasn't exactly planned but coincidence. I identify this chapter as science being a process. It changes as we continue to grow as a society and so do beliefs.