Assigning the label of "mass extinction" to an extinction event requires
A) a large number of extinctions.
B) a reduced origination rate.
C) a significant increase over the background extinction rate.
D) all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A mass extinction is characterized by a significant increase over the background extinction rate, indicating a rapid and widespread loss of species.

Assigning the Label of "Mass Extinction" to an Extinction Event