WorksheetsMass Extinction
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 45mins
According to most scientists, what is the ultimate cause of most mass extinctions?
overhunting
evolution of new species to replace old ones
major change in environment due to extreme natural events
asteroid impact
There have been 5 mass extinctions in Earth's history. Which of the following answer choices was a cause of these extinctions? You may select more than one answer. Check all that apply.
increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere
an asteroid impact
formation of glaciers and decreased sea levels
widespread volcanic activity
All of them
There have been 5 mass extinctions in Earth's history. Which of the following mass extinctions occurred first?
End Permian
Triassic
Late Devonian
End Ordovician
Which of the following events resulted in the most species extinctions overall?
Triassic
End Permian
Late Devonian
Cretaceous (KT Event)
A comet or asteroid impact on the earth is a frequently suggested cause for many of the mass extinctions. For which of the major mass extinctions does the most evidence exist that this was the main trigger for the event?
End Permian
Cretaceous (KT Event)
Late Devonian
Triassic
How do scientists determine the number and length of time on the geologic time scale?
Based on important events in earth's history
Studying rocks in North America
Gathering information from databases
Based only on the time and distance that has passed
Mass Extinction is best defined as....
Complete loss or death of a species
an abnormally large amount of species die out simultaneously or within a short period of time
Change in global or regional climate patterns
Change in climate during which glaciers covered much of the Earth
Which era is known as the age of the mammals?
Mesozoic Era
Holocene Epoch
Cenozoic Era
Cambrian
The Permian-Triassic mass extinction paved the way for what group of animals to diversify?
dinosaurs
insects
fish
mammals
Species become vulnerable to extinction when
the climate changes
new species arrive
the species does not adapt
their habitat is changed or destroyed
all of the above
What is an invasive species?
a species that arrives in a new habitat and outcompetes the native species
a species that dies off as a result of environmental change
an adaptation to a new environmental change
a species that arrives in a new habitat and helps other species grow and thrive
How do paleontologists use mass extinctions?
to divide the Earth's history into distinct periods
to stock their freezers with fresh meat
to pick only the cutest and fluffiest of animals to snuggle with
to combine time periods into one large Super eon
