Final answer:
Small animals likely survived the cataclysmic impact of a large meteorite that caused the massive extinction at the Cretaceous-Paleocene due to their flight abilities, efficient thermoregulation, and burrowing behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Small animals likely survived the cataclysmic impact of a large meteorite that caused the massive extinction at the Cretaceous-Paleocene due to their flight capabilities, efficient thermoregulation, and burrowing behavior.
Flight capabilities allowed small animals to escape danger by flying away from the impact zone and finding shelter in other areas. Efficient thermoregulation helped them adapt to changing temperatures caused by the impact, allowing them to survive in different environments. Burrowing behavior offered protection by allowing small animals to hide underground, shielding them from the direct effects of the meteorite impact.