What is the difference between a mass extinction and a regular (background) extinction?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Mass extinction involves many species over a short period of geologic time.
Mass extinction involves many species over a short period of geologic time.

Mass extinction can be caused by ecological factors like climate change and loss of habitat.
Mass extinction can be caused by ecological factors like climate change and loss of habitat.

Mass extinction occurs over a long period of time.
Mass extinction occurs over a long period of time.

Mass extinction is ongoing and is a regular process that results from evolution.
Mass extinction is ongoing and is a regular process that results from evolution.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Mass extinction involves many species over a short period of geologic time.

This key distinction sets mass extinctions apart from background extinctions, which occur at a more gradual pace and typically involve the extinction of individual species rather than many species at once. Mass extinctions are characterized by significant, widespread loss of biodiversity within a relatively brief timeframe, often due to catastrophic events or rapid environmental changes.