If the hypothesis tracing the extinction of the dinosaurs to an impact is correct,the dinosaurs died off largely because
A)of injuries suffered from direct hits of pieces of the asteroid or comet.
B)radiation from iridium in the asteroid caused the dinosaurs to die of cancer.
C)of global climate effects initiated by dust and smoke that entered the atmosphere after the impact.
D)the impact caused massive earthquakes worldwide.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypothesis proposes that the impact of an asteroid caused global climate effects that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. The dust and smoke generated by the impact would have entered the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and causing a decrease in global temperatures. This cooling effect would have disrupted ecosystems and ultimately led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, as well as numerous other species. The injuries suffered from a direct impact of the asteroid (choice A) and radiation from iridium (choice B) are not likely to have played a major role in the extinction event, while the idea of massive earthquakes (choice D) is not supported by the evidence.

If the Hypothesis Tracing the Extinction of the Dinosaurs to an Impact