Mass Extinction Events
Explore the causes and effects of mass extinction events throughout Earth's history with this Grade 7 science worksheet.
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Mass Extinction Events
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Good luck!
1. What is a mass extinction event?
A sudden increase in biodiversity.
A period of rapid species evolution.
A widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth.
A gradual change in climate.
2. Which of the following is NOT a common cause of mass extinction?
Volcanic eruptions
Asteroid impacts
Gradual climate change over millions of years
Ocean anoxia (lack of oxygen in oceans)
3. The most famous mass extinction event, which wiped out the dinosaurs, is known as the extinction event.
4. Mass extinctions often lead to a period of rapid for the surviving species.
5. There have been five major mass extinction events in Earth's history.
True
False
6. Human activities are currently contributing to what many scientists call the 'sixth mass extinction'.
True
False
7. Briefly describe one major cause of a past mass extinction event and its effect on life on Earth.
8. What role do scientists believe an asteroid impact played in the extinction of the dinosaurs?
9. The image below shows a timeline of the five major mass extinction events. Based on the diagram, which period experienced the most severe loss of marine families?
