The fossil record shows that throughout the history of life on Earth, there have been a number of mass extinction events. During these events, a significant number of species have become extinct globally. Which two causes of mass extinction have been supported by evidence in the fossil record?

Question

meteor strikes
volcanic activity
massive flooding
rock sedimentation
gradual mountain formation

Answer 1

The two causes of mass extinction that have been supported by evidence in the fossil record are:

1. Meteor strikes - Events like the Chicxulub impact, associated with the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period, provide strong evidence that meteor strikes can cause dramatic environmental changes leading to widespread extinctions.

2. Volcanic activity - Large-scale volcanic eruptions, such as those associated with the Siberian Traps during the Permian-Triassic extinction event, have also been linked to mass extinctions. These eruptions can lead to significant climate changes, including acid rain and global cooling or warming.

Massive flooding, rock sedimentation, and gradual mountain formation are not typically recognized as primary causes of mass extinctions in the same way as meteor strikes and volcanic activity.