Question

which of the following diagrams shows evidence of a mass extinction event caused by extreme volcanic activity on earths surface? choose 1 answer: a diagram with brown (shallow) and yellow (deep with fossils), b diagram with yellow (shallow) and brown (deep with fossils), c diagram with yellow (shallow) and brown (deep with fossils, black line at shallow top)

Explanation:

To determine the diagram showing a mass extinction from extreme volcanic activity, we analyze the fossil layers. Mass extinctions show a sharp reduction in fossil diversity above a boundary (like a layer from volcanic ash). In option C, the shallower layer (above the black boundary) has fewer, different fossils than the deeper layer, indicating a mass extinction event (volcanic activity would create a boundary layer and reduce species above it). Options A and B don't show this sharp reduction above a boundary related to volcanic activity.

Answer:

C. The diagram with a black boundary at the shallower - deeper transition, where the shallower layer has fewer, different fossils than the deeper layer.