Question

guided practice
which describes a mass extinction?
a. a single event that causes the death of a single species
b. a period of time when unfilled niches lead to rapid evolution
c. a dying of a population due to competition with another species
d. a short period of time when many species die

Explanation:

A mass extinction is defined as a rapid, widespread die-off of a large number of species within a relatively short geological time frame. Option A refers to a single species extinction, not mass. Option B describes adaptive radiation, not extinction. Option C is about competitive exclusion of one population, not mass species death. Option D matches the definition of mass extinction.

Answer:

D. a short period of time when many species die