The most probable cause of the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K/T)mass extinction resulting in the effects as shown,was _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The effects shown in the question are consistent with the hypothesis that a large meteorite impact caused the K/T mass extinction event. This hypothesis is supported by the discovery of a layer of sediment worldwide, known as the K/T boundary layer, which contains high levels of the metal iridium, thought to have been brought to Earth by the impact. Additionally, the impact would have caused massive wildfires, tsunamis, and a "nuclear winter" effect due to the dust and debris thrown into the atmosphere, all of which could have contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species. The other options (A, B, C, and D) are all potential factors that may have played a role in the mass extinction, but are not as widely accepted or strongly supported by the available evidence as the meteorite impact hypothesis.

The Most Probable Cause of the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K/T)mass Extinction Resulting