The figure below shows the number of living families that existed on Earth during the last 540 million years. The sudden decreases in family number at 445, 360, 250, 200 and 65 million years ago represent Earth's five mass extinction events.
Based on this data, which mass extinction had the biggest impact on the overall diversity of life on Earth?

Question

The figure below shows the number of living families that existed on Earth during the last 540 million years. The sudden decreases in family number at 445, 360, 250, 200 and 65 million years ago represent Earth's five mass extinction events. 
Based on this data, which mass extinction had the biggest impact on the overall diversity of life on Earth?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mass extinction event that occurred 250 million years ago had the biggest impact on the overall diversity of life on Earth, as evidenced by the significant decrease in the number of living families. This event, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction event, is estimated to have wiped out around 96% of all marine species and 70% of all land species, and is considered the most devastating in Earth's history.

The Figure Below Shows the Number of Living Families That