Mass Extinctions

According to most scientists, what is the ultimate cause of most mass extinctions?

• overhunting

• evolution of new species to replace old ones

• major change in environment or climate

• asteroid impact

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NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

At the end of the Mesozoic Era (Age of the Reptiles) there was a mass extinction.  Which of the following is attributed as being the main cause?

• asteroid or comet impact

• major volcanic eruption

• earthquakes

• climatic changes

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What conclusion can you make about this fossil?

• It swam in the ocean.

• It likely had feathers.

• It had a shell

• It has 5 toes on each foot.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is a mass extinction?

• The introduction of a new species to an ecosystem

• A significant event where a large number of Earth's species become extinct in a short period of time

• A gradual decrease in biodiversity over millions of years

• The evolution of a species into a new form

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

How is a mass extinction event typically defined in terms of its speed?

• It occurs over millions of years

• It is geologically rapid

• It happens over a few decades

• It is a slow and continuous process

Which period's end is marked by the extinction of the dinosaurs, serving as an example of a mass extinction?

• Jurassic

• Triassic

• Cretaceous

• Permian

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What was a significant consequence of the Ordovician-Silurian Extinction?

• A significant increase in biodiversity

• The emergence of mammals

• A significant drop in biodiversity, particularly affecting marine life

• The appearance of the first land plants

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NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What was the likely cause of the Permian-Triassic Extinction?

• Asteroid impact

• Massive volcanic eruptions in Siberia

• Rapid sea-level changes

• A sudden drop in global temperatures

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What percentage of marine species became extinct due to the Permian-Triassic Extinction?

• About 50%

• About 70%

• About 96%

• About 85%

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What was the main cause of the Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction?

• Volcanic eruptions

• An ice age

• A massive asteroid impact

• A pandemic among dinosaur populations

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5