Final answer:
Igneous rocks are associated with volcanic activity and can contribute to mass extinction events by emitting ash, CO₂, and other gases that alter the climate. Both historical mass extinctions and current ones are tied to substantial changes in the environment, whether through natural geological processes or human-induced actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Igneous rocks are associated with volcanic activity, which includes the emission of ash, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases that can have significant impacts on Earth's climate and environment, potentially leading to mass extinction events. Volcanic activities have contributed to past mass extinctions such as the end of the Cretaceous period and the Permian mass extinction. During these events, large-scale volcanic eruptions released vast quantities of particulate matter and gases into the atmosphere, resulting in climate change that had catastrophic effects on the biodiversity of the planet. These emissions can block sunlight, disrupt photosynthesis, alter the climate, and ultimately lead to environmental conditions that are inhospitable to many forms of life.The Late Permian mass extinction, the most severe known extinction event, saw the majority of species disappear, possibly due to extensive volcanism that changed climate conditions and ocean chemistry. The end-Cretaceous extinction event, while most famously attributed to an asteroid impact, may have also been exacerbated by significant volcanic activity. Current mass extinctions are being driven by human-induced climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction, resulting in increased CO₂ levels, which continue the trend of altering Earth's climate and putting pressure on diverse ecosystems. In conclusion, both igneous rocks and human activities can contribute to environmental changes severe enough to trigger mass extinction events, underscoring the powerful influence geological processes and human actions have on Earth's biological diversity.