Question

22 using your understanding of the geologic time scale, analyze how major events like mass extinctions and the rise of new species have influenced the diversity of life on earth. which statement best explains the relationship between these events and the progression of life through geologic time? life has gradually become more complex and diverse because mass extinctions completely removed all species, allowing only new ones to evolve afterward. major geologic events have had little effect on life, as evolution occurs independently of environmental changes recorded in the geologic time scale. the geologic time scale shows that life has remained relatively unchanged, with the same dominant species throughout earths history. mass extinctions have periodically reduced biodiversity, but they also created opportunities for new species to evolve and dominate during subsequent geologic periods.

Explanation:

Mass extinctions eliminate many species, reducing biodiversity in the short - term. However, they free up ecological niches, allowing new species to evolve and fill those niches in subsequent geologic periods, thus influencing the progression of life.

Answer:

D. Mass extinctions have periodically reduced biodiversity, but they also created opportunities for new species to evolve and dominate during subsequent geologic periods.