Paleontologists are investigating gradual climate shifts that took place over the course of a few thousand years 13 million years ago.What was the most likely cause of this shift?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Changes in Earth's orbit around the sun are a well-known cause of gradual climate shifts over long periods of time. This phenomenon, known as Milankovitch cycles, is caused by variations in Earth's axial tilt, precession, and eccentricity, which affect the amount and distribution of solar energy received by the planet. It is therefore the most likely cause of the climate shifts investigated by the paleontologists. Neither nitrogen fixation nor fossil fuel burning were significant factors 13 million years ago, and an asteroid impact would have caused a sudden, catastrophic climate shift, not a gradual one. While oceanic currents can also affect climate, their impact is generally localized rather than global.

Paleontologists Are Investigating Gradual Climate Shifts That Took Place Over