Which description best characterizes a mass extinction? A. The loss of a large number of species within a relatively short time period B. The collection of Earth's known fossils, placed in order from earliest to latest C. The scientific explanation for changes observed in life on Earth D. The change in weather patterns on Earth, documented in the fossil record
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Mass extinction is a natural phenomenon where a large number of species disappear in a relatively short period of time, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity. Show more…
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Which of the following statements is true about the mass extinction that occurred at the end of the Cretaceous Period following an asteroid impact on the Yucatan Peninsula? a) this was the largest mass extinction in Earth's history b) disruption of ecological processes following the impact was not as significant as the immediate loss of species due to fires, earthquakes, and limited photosynthesis c) this extinction provided ecological opportunities for the diversification of mammals d) all of the above e) 60-80% of species extinctions occurred within 50,000 years of the impact
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what happens after a mass extinction, such as an ice age or the extinction of the dinosaurs? A. the remaining species are able to live longer due to increased food supply. B. surviving populations reach a state of equilibrium due to decreased competition. C. the surviving species evolve more rapidly to fill the newly available niches. D. organisms evolve more slowly as they recover from the loss of diversity.
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