Which of the Following Mass Extinction Events Is Correct

question 33

Multiple Choice

Which of the following mass extinction events is correct?

• A) During the Permian period over 90% of the species disappeared due to an excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
• B) At the end of the Ordovician period over 90% of the species went extinct due to a bolide impacting the Earth's surface and causing a cloud of ash to reduce solar exposure for several weeks.
• C) At the end of the Cretaceous period over 90% of the species went extinct due to a bolide impacting the Earth's surface and causing a cloud of ash to reduce solar exposure for several weeks.
• D) At the end of the Devonian period 70% of the terrestrial vertebrates went extinct when Gondwana drifted back towards the South Pole.

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Definitions:

Intrinsic Value

refers to the inherent worth of something, independent of its utility or benefit to humans, often discussed in the context of nature and the environment.

Premature Extinction

The phenomenon where species become extinct earlier than they would have naturally due to human activities.

Tropical Deforestation

The clearing away of tropical forests due to logging, agriculture, or other human activities, leading to significant ecological and environmental consequences.

Global Warming

The gradual increase in Earth's average surface temperature, attributed to the greenhouse gas emissions from human activities such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation.