Mass extinctions
A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 33 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 33
Mass extinctions
A. kill all but the most primitive species.
B. are caused by the introduction of competing species.
C. are followed by a period of rapid divergent ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Mass extinctions
A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 33 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. kill all but the most primitive species.
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Answer
Mass extinctions do not selectively kill only the most primitive species; they generally affect a wide range of species, including both primitive and more advanced forms.
Step 2
B. are caused by the introduction of competing species.
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Answer
While competition among species can contribute to extinction events, mass extinctions are often caused by larger factors such as climate change, asteroid impacts, and habitat destruction, rather than just competition.
Step 3
C. are followed by a period of rapid divergent evolution.
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Mass extinctions often lead to a rapid diversification of species in the aftermath, as ecological niches are vacated, allowing for new species to evolve. However, this is a result of the extinction rather than a characteristic of the extinction itself.
Step 4
D. have been caused by continental drift and earthquakes.
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Answer
This statement is accurate as certain mass extinctions have indeed been associated with geological factors like continental drift, tectonic activity, and seismic events that can lead to dramatic changes in the environment.
