Dinosaurs and the Chicxulub Impact

The video explores the evolution of scientific understanding regarding the extinction of dinosaurs. Initially surrounded by myths, the discovery of fossils led to various theories. The Alvarez hypothesis, suggesting an asteroid impact, gained traction with the discovery of iridium in the K-Pg layer and a crater in Yucatán. This theory is now widely accepted, explaining the mass extinction 65 million years ago.

What event is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?

• A massive volcanic eruption

• A large asteroid impact

• A significant drop in sea levels

• A sudden ice age

What did ancient Chinese people believe dinosaur fossils were?

• Bones of giants

• Bones of dragons

• Remains of ancient gods

• Fossils of ancient fish

When did modern methods of dating fossils and rocks emerge?

• Early 20th century

• Late 19th century

• Mid 19th century

• Early 18th century

What was one of the theories proposed in the 1970s to explain the extinction of dinosaurs?

• A global pandemic

• A sudden ice age

• A massive volcanic eruption in India

• A large asteroid impact

What element found in the K-Pg boundary layer supported the asteroid impact theory?

• Uranium

• Iridium

• Platinum

• Gold

Where is the Chicxulub crater located?

• In the Yucatán Peninsula

• In the Amazon Rainforest

• In the Sahara Desert

• In the Himalayas

What was the approximate diameter of the Chicxulub crater?

• 100 km

• 150 km

• 180 km

• 200 km

What did the Chicxulub impact likely vaporize, contributing to the extinction event?

• Ice caps

• Mountain ranges

• A significant amount of water and subsoil

• Large forests

What percentage of species were wiped out due to the asteroid impact?

• 75%

• 90%

• 60%

• 50%

What did the extinction event allow small mammals to do?

• Develop flight

• Evolve into intelligent creatures

• Dominate the oceans

• Become extinct