Question

The End-Ediacaran Extinction led to the extinction of lots of different fauna on Earth. According to the article and what you've leamed in class, this likely led to

a. adaptive radiation- or a period of massive evolutionary divergence of the ourvwors
b. an asteroid impact on Eartis surface
c. the formatian of the supercontinent Pangaea
d. life on Earth going completely extinct

Answer 1

The End-Ediacaran Extinction likely resulted in adaptive radiation, where surviving organisms evolved to fill new ecological niches, leading to significant biodiversity changes. Therefore, the correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The End-Ediacaran Extinction likely led to adaptive radiation, a period of massive evolutionary divergence of survivors. This event, following significant ecological changes or extinctions, creates new niches and opportunities for rapid speciation. For instance, after the end-Permian and end-Cretaceous extinctions, which saw the loss of many terrestrial and marine species, surviving life forms evolved to fill the vacated ecological roles. The post-extinction adaptive radiation led to the diversification and dominance of new species, such as mammals and birds after the end-Cretaceous extinction when dinosaurs disappeared. Therefore, adaptive radiation is a crucial evolutionary process following major extinction events that shape the planet's biodiversity.

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