Mass extinction refers to which scenario?

Mass extinction refers to which scenario?

• A. Large amount of species die off over a short period
• B. A single species dies out today
• C. A minor fluctuation in biodiversity
• D. A fossil record gap for all time

Answer: (A)

Mass extinction is when a large number of species die off in a relatively short period, causing a dramatic drop in global biodiversity. This is different from the extinction of a single species or small, everyday fluctuations in biodiversity, and it’s not just a gap in the fossil record. In the fossil record, mass extinctions show a rapid, widespread loss across many groups, often followed by a lengthy recovery. So the statement about many species dying off quickly best captures what a mass extinction means.

Mass extinction is when a large number of species die off in a relatively short period, causing a dramatic drop in global biodiversity. This is different from the extinction of a single species or small, everyday fluctuations in biodiversity, and it’s not just a gap in the fossil record. In the fossil record, mass extinctions show a rapid, widespread loss across many groups, often followed by a lengthy recovery. So the statement about many species dying off quickly best captures what a mass extinction means.