Question

Which two possible reasons have been proposed for the massive extinction that occurred at the end of the Paleozoic Era?

A) Climate change and volcanic activity
B) Meteor impact and tectonic shifts
C) Genetic mutations and ecological competition
D) Ocean acidification and solar radiation

Answer 1

The two possible reasons for the massive extinction at the end of the Paleozoic Era are climate change and volcanic activity, as well as meteor impact and tectonic shifts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two possible reasons proposed for the massive extinction that occurred at the end of the Paleozoic Era are:

1. Climate change and volcanic activity: The two extinctions before the most recent one are connected to volcanic activity, and the next one is likely connected to diversification of land-based plants, which caused a changing climate.
2. Meteor impact and tectonic shifts: The most recent mass extinction was caused by an asteroid impact, and the first extinction event may have been caused by geological processes.