The extinction of many species in a relatively short period of geologic time is called ____.
A) mass extinction
B) secondary extinction
C) biological extinction
D) background extinction rate
E) tertiary extinction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mass extinction is the term used to describe the rapid extinction of many species in a short period of geologic time. It is different from background extinction rate which is the ongoing, natural rate of extinction of species. Secondary extinction, tertiary extinction and biological extinction are not commonly used terms in the field of extinction.

The Extinction of Many Species in a Relatively Short Period