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Difficulty: EasyComparing and Contrasting Models

Three models are proposed to explain the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event. Match each proposed mechanism of extinction to the model that features it based on the descriptions below:

* Model 1 (Asteroid Impact): Proposes that a massive asteroid collision injected dust and sulfur into the atmosphere, causing immediate, widespread cooling and blocking sunlight.
* Model 2 (Deccan Traps Volcanism): Proposes that massive volcanic eruptions released large volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2CO_2) over hundreds of thousands of years, causing gradual greenhouse warming and ocean acidification.
* Model 3 (Marine Regression): Proposes that a drop in global sea levels drained shallow interior seaways, destroying coastal habitats and gradually reducing species diversity before the final extinction.

  • Extinction is primarily driven by sudden global cooling and lack of sunlight due to atmospheric debris.Model 1 (Asteroid Impact)
  • Extinction is primarily driven by long-term climate changes and habitat loss due to falling sea levels.Model 3 (Marine Regression)
  • Extinction is primarily driven by gradual global warming and ocean acidification from greenhouse gas emissions.Model 2 (Deccan Traps Volcanism)

Answer

Matching Pair 1: Sudden cooling and blocked sunlight from debris matches Model 1 (Asteroid Impact). Matching Pair 2: Long-term climate changes and habitat loss from falling sea levels matches Model 3 (Marine Regression). Matching Pair 3: Gradual global warming and ocean acidification from emissions matches Model 2 (Deccan Traps Volcanism).
Matching each model to its specific mechanism is correct because: Model 1 focuses on immediate, widespread cooling due to asteroid collision debris; Model 2 attributes the extinction to volcanic emissions of carbon dioxide causing greenhouse warming and acidification; Model 3 claims falling sea levels (regression) caused habitat loss and diversity decline.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the description of Model 1 (Asteroid Impact) to identify its primary mechanism.
Model 1 focuses on immediate cooling and blocked sunlight due to atmospheric debris.
To align the mechanism of sudden cooling and lack of sunlight with the correct model.
2
Analyze the description of Model 2 (Deccan Traps Volcanism) to identify its primary mechanism.
Model 2 focuses on gradual greenhouse warming and ocean acidification from carbon dioxide (CO2CO_2).
To align the mechanism of gradual warming and acidification with the correct model.
3
Analyze the description of Model 3 (Marine Regression) to identify its primary mechanism.
Model 3 focuses on habitat loss and climate shifts due to falling sea levels.
To align the mechanism of sea-level-driven habitat loss with the correct model.

Key Concept

Comparing and Contrasting Models
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Comparing and Contrasting Models

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