Question
The “great dying,” which saw 96% of all species extinct, was partially caused by>
a. bacteria producing large amounts of toxic methane.
b. lower levels of oxygen.
a. bacteria producing large amounts of toxic methane.
b. lower levels of oxygen.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The "great dying," also known as the Permian-Triassic Extinction, was a massive extinction event that occurred around 252 million years ago. It is estimated that about 90-96% of all species went extinct during this time. One of the significant factors believed to have contributed to this extinction was the release of large amounts of methane, likely from bacteria and other microorganisms in the ocean, which could have caused dramatic changes in climate and oxygen levels.
So, the correct option would be:
**a. bacteria producing large amounts of toxic methane.**
While lower levels of oxygen played a role in the overall conditions of the planet during this period, the release of methane is often highlighted as a major factor in triggering the environmental changes that led to such high levels of extinction.
So, the correct option would be:
**a. bacteria producing large amounts of toxic methane.**
While lower levels of oxygen played a role in the overall conditions of the planet during this period, the release of methane is often highlighted as a major factor in triggering the environmental changes that led to such high levels of extinction.