Question

Which major environmental change is occurring today that could cause the next mass extinction?(1 point)
Responses

oil spills
oil spills

deforestation
deforestation

climate change
climate change

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

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.

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 involves many species over a short period of geologic time.
During the K-Pg mass extinction event, soot and ash were thrown into the atmosphere, darkening the sky for months. Some mammals were able to survive and proliferate. Which factor contributed to this success?(1 point)
Responses

Many mammals developed the ability to fly, allowing them to escape the impact site.
Many mammals developed the ability to fly, allowing them to escape the impact site.

A decrease in oceanic and lake habitat, leading to marine mammal evolution.
A decrease in oceanic and lake habitat, leading to marine mammal evolution.

There were new predators because the dinosaurs were instantly killed.
There were new predators because the dinosaurs were instantly killed.

The ability to regulate their body temperatures in the face of reduced sunlight and colder temperatures.
Fossils provide evidence that best helps scientists determine changes over time in(1 point)
Responses

the number of individuals in each species.
the number of individuals in each species.

the emergence or extinction of species.
the emergence or extinction of species.

the number of species in an environment.
the number of species in an environment.

the environment.
Scientists use a variety of tools to learn about the history of the earth, evolution, environmental change, and its effects. Which type of evidence is most affected by human error (and thus less reliable)?(1 point)
Responses

fossils and the fossil record
fossils and the fossil record

mathematical and computer models
mathematical and computer models

areas of impact
areas of impact

rock core samples and strata
rock core samples and strata

Answer 1

Here are the responses to your questions:

1. **Which major environmental change is occurring today that could cause the next mass extinction?**
- **Response:** *climate change*

2. **What is the difference between a mass extinction and a regular (background) extinction?**
- **Response:** *Mass extinction involves many species over a short period of geologic time.*

3. **During the K-Pg mass extinction event, soot and ash were thrown into the atmosphere, darkening the sky for months. Some mammals were able to survive and proliferate. Which factor contributed to this success?**
- **Response:** *The ability to regulate their body temperatures in the face of reduced sunlight and colder temperatures.*

4. **Fossils provide evidence that best helps scientists determine changes over time in:**
- **Response:** *the emergence or extinction of species.*

5. **Scientists use a variety of tools to learn about the history of the earth, evolution, environmental change, and its effects. Which type of evidence is most affected by human error (and thus less reliable)?**
- **Response:** *mathematical and computer models*

Please confirm if you need additional information or further explanations!