Mass Extinctions

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What is a mass extinction?

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A significant event where a large number of Earth's species become extinct in a short period of time.

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Which period's end is marked by the extinction of the dinosaurs?

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Cretaceous.

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What is known as the 'Great Dying'?

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Permian-Triassic Extinction.

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What percentage of marine species became extinct during the Permian-Triassic Extinction?

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About 96%.

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How do mass extinctions affect ecosystems?

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They lead to cascading effects on food webs and ecosystem services.

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What is the primary cause of mass extinctions?

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Factors such as volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, and climate change.

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Name one of the five major mass extinctions in Earth's history.

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Permian-Triassic Extinction.

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What is the significance of the Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction?

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It led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species.

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How can mass extinctions influence evolution?

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They can create new ecological niches, leading to the evolution of new species.

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What role do humans play in current extinction rates?

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Human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change are accelerating extinction rates.