New study supports asteroid theory of dinosaur extinction: UK scientists

New research suggests that a 10-kilometer-wide asteroid, which created the Chicksalub crater, was solely responsible for the extinction of dinosaurs, without the need for volcanic activity. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, modeled the effects of both the asteroid impact and Deacon volcanism. The results indicated that the asteroid impact alone was catastrophic enough to cause extinction, as it reduced sunlight by 15 to 20%, compared to a mere 5% reduction from volcanism. This significant decrease in sunlight was sufficient to ensure the complete eradication of non-avian dinosaurs.

What was the primary cause of dinosaur extinction according to the new research?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Asteroid impact

• Sea level rise

• Climate change

Which crater is associated with the asteroid impact that led to dinosaur extinction?

• Sudbury Basin

• Chicksalub Crater

• Barringer Crater

• Vredefort Crater

What did the research team model in their study?

• Only the Chicksalub impact

• Only Deccan volcanism

• Both Chicksalub impact and Deccan volcanism

• Neither Chicksalub impact nor Deccan volcanism

How much did Deccan volcanism reduce sunlight according to the models?

• 10%

• 15%

• 5%

• 20%

What was the estimated reduction in sunlight due to the asteroid impact?

• 20% to 25%

• 15% to 20%

• 10% to 15%

• 5% to 10%