Final answer:
Mass extinctions are events in Earth's history where a significant number of species become extinct within a relatively short period of time. These events have occurred multiple times throughout history and can be caused by various factors such as asteroid impacts and climate change.
Step-by-step explanation:
In biology, the concept that involves the near-simultaneous termination of many closely and distantly related lineages is called mass extinction. Mass extinctions are events in Earth's history where a significant number of species, from various taxonomic groups, become extinct within a relatively short period of time. These events have occurred multiple times throughout history, with the most well-known mass extinction being the one that wiped out the dinosaurs.
Mass extinctions can be caused by various factors, including asteroid impacts, climate change, volcanic activity, and changes in sea level. These events result in the loss of biodiversity and can have significant impacts on the evolution of life on Earth.