The K-Pg Extinction Was Likely the Result of a Catastrophic

question 32

Multiple Choice

The K-Pg extinction was likely the result of a catastrophic asteroid impact that resulted in an extinction that happened over a very short geological time period. How could the K-Pg impact cause the collapse of the global food chain that led to this mass extinction?

• A) Flash fires resulting from the impact spread globally, putting significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter in the atmosphere, which reduced photosynthesis.
• B) The particulate matter ejected from the impact created a significant amount of sedimentation that disrupted plankton production.
• C) The impact created giant tsunamis that eliminated a vast amount of plant life as the waves impacted the continents.
• D) Huge amounts of particulate matter were discharged into the atmosphere as a result of the impact, blocking sunlight and causing photosynthesis to plummet.

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Definitions:

Special Causes

Unusual or non-random factors that cause variation in a process, distinguished from common causes that are inherent to the process.

Quantitative Sample Statistic

A numerical measurement that describes an attribute of a sample of a population.

Statistical Quality Control

A method of using statistical methods to monitor and control a process to ensure that it operates at its full potential to produce conforming product.

Control Limits

The boundaries in control charts that distinguish between normal and abnormal variations of the process being monitored.