The fossil record is testament to extinct fauna no longer present on Earth. Certain areas of the planet have always had high species diversity (evidence from fossils and catalogs of current species diversity). Which of the processes listed below likely contributed to the patterns of animal diversity we see?

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Extinction events, both local and global, have played a significant role in shaping the patterns of animal diversity we see today. Extinction events can cause the loss of entire species or groups of species, which can lead to the emergence of new species and the diversification of existing species.

The Fossil Record Is Testament to Extinct Fauna No Longer