What Is the Specific Mechanism by Which the Chicxulub Impact

question 136

Multiple Choice

What is the specific mechanism by which the Chicxulub impact is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species 65 million years ago?

• A) Iridium poisoning due to fallout of meteoritic material destroyed a large fraction of the creatures within several days of the impact.
• B) Dust thrown up by the impact blotted out the Sun and disrupted the food chain over a period of several years.
• C) The incoming asteroid contained alien biological material that destroyed susceptible species within a few weeks of the impact.
• D) Shock waves and tsunamis (tidal waves) killed the majority of living creatures within a few minutes of the impact.

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Definitions:

Tachypnea

A condition characterized by abnormally rapid breathing.

Tachycardia

A condition characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate, typically more than 100 beats per minute in adults.

Connective

Referring to connective tissue, which supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs in the body.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as the joints, rib cage, ear, nose, bronchial tubes, and intervertebral discs.