Question

guided practice
which describes a mass extinction?
a. a single event that causes the death of a single species
b. a dying of a population due to competition with another species
c. a period of time when unfilled niches lead to rapid evolution
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 competitive exclusion, not mass extinction. Option C refers to adaptive radiation, the opposite of extinction. Option D matches the definition of mass extinction.

Answer:

D. a short period of time when many species die