Question

When looking through the fossil record, what would scientists look for to conclude that a mass extinction had occurred at a certain point in the fossil record?(1 point)
Responses

Evidence of a meteor strike like an impact crater or other evidence of a meteor strike
Evidence of a meteor strike like an impact crater or other evidence of a meteor strike

Evidence of a volcanic eruption like igneous rock deposits or atmospheric changes
Evidence of a volcanic eruption like igneous rock deposits or atmospheric changes

A dramatic change in the number and types of fossils from one layer to the next
A dramatic change in the number and types of fossils from one layer to the next

Scientists cannot use the fossil record as evidence for mass extinction events.

Answer 1

A dramatic change in the number and types of fossils from one layer to the next would be the most indicative evidence to conclude that a mass extinction had occurred at a certain point in the fossil record. This change often suggests a significant loss of biodiversity and can correlate with known mass extinction events.