Rapid extinction events are often triggered by catastrophic events such as massive tsunamis, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions. These events can lead to sudden and drastic changes in environmental conditions, making it difficult for many species to survive.
While slow changes in climate can lead to gradual extinction over longer periods, they do not typically cause rapid extinction events. Dust in the atmosphere can affect climate and sunlight, but it generally would not lead to immediate extinction on its own. Natural selection is a process that drives evolution, not extinction, although it can play a role in the survival or extinction of species over time.
In summary, the most direct answer to "rapid extinction results from" would be catastrophic events.