How do mass extinctions differ from background extinctions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mass extinctions cause a much larger proportion of organisms to go extinct than background extinctions.

Note: Option A is incorrect because mass extinctions typically occur over a shorter period of time than background extinctions. Option B is incorrect because both mass and background extinctions are caused by a variety of factors. Option D is incorrect because Hox gene mutations are not a primary factor in causing mass or background extinctions, and weather patterns may play a role in both types of extinctions.

How Do Mass Extinctions Differ from Background Extinctions