Scientists hypothesize that the massive Permian extinction was triggered by ____.
A) asteroid impacts that caused atmospheric dust clouds
B) a series of ongoing volcanic eruptions
C) degradation of the environment by humans
D) rising sea levels that covered most landmasses
E) extreme global cooling that made Earth uninhabitable

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The massive Permian extinction, which occurred around 250 million years ago, is hypothesized to have been triggered by a series of ongoing volcanic eruptions. These eruptions would have released vast amounts of volcanic gases into the atmosphere, leading to significant environmental changes, including global warming, acid rain, and ocean acidification, which contributed to the mass extinction event.

Scientists Hypothesize That the Massive Permian Extinction Was Triggered by ____