Understanding Mass Extinctions in History

What was the groundbreaking idea proposed by Georges Cuvier in 1796?

• The concept of evolution

• The idea that species could go extinct

• The theory of natural selection

• The classification of species

Which event is associated with the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs?

• Ordovician Extinction

• Permian-Triassic Extinction

• Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction

• Holocene Extinction

Explain the significance of the Alvarez hypothesis in the context of extinction events.

• It suggested that extinctions happen gradually over time.

• It proposed that a comet or asteroid impact caused the sudden extinction of non-avian dinosaurs.

• It was the first hypothesis to suggest that humans are causing a mass extinction.

• It explained the extinction of marine invertebrates during the Ordovician period.

What was the main catalyst for the Ordovician Extinction according to the passage?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Movement of the supercontinent Gondwana

• Asteroid impact

• Human activity

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Discuss the role of human activity in the current Holocene Extinction.

• Humans have introduced invasive species and caused climate change, leading to habitat disruption.

• Humans have caused volcanic eruptions that led to mass extinctions.

• Humans have prevented extinctions by conserving species.

• Humans have had no significant impact on current extinction rates.

Which extinction event is known as the "Great Dying"?

• Ordovician Extinction

• Permian-Triassic Extinction

• Triassic-Jurassic Extinction

• Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction

Analyze the impact of the Late Devonian Extinction on marine life.

• It caused the extinction of all marine species.

• It led to the near extinction of corals and the end of placoderms.

• It had no significant impact on marine life.

• It only affected land-dwelling vertebrates.

What evidence supports the Alvarez hypothesis for the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction?

• Fossil records of marine invertebrates

• The Barringer Crater

• The spread of plant life on land

• The breakup of Pangaea

Evaluate the statement: "The Holocene Extinction is primarily caused by natural events."

• True, because natural events have always caused extinctions.

• False, because human activity is the primary cause.

• True, because volcanic eruptions are the main cause.

• False, because asteroid impacts are the primary cause.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which mass extinction event took place just before the breakup of Pangaea?

• Ordovician Extinction

• Permian-Triassic Extinction

• Triassic-Jurassic Extinction

• Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction