### Permian-Triassic Extinction Cause
Two scientists present opposing hypotheses regarding the primary cause of the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which occurred approximately million years ago.
Scientist 1
The extinction was caused by a large asteroid impact. The collision injected massive quantities of dust and sulfur into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight, halting photosynthesis, and causing global temperatures to drop rapidly. This sudden disruption of the global food chain led to the rapid collapse of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Scientist 2
The extinction was caused by prolonged volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps. These eruptions released immense volumes of carbon dioxide () over hundreds of thousands of years. The resulting greenhouse effect raised global temperatures, acidified the oceans, and depleted dissolved oxygen, leading to a gradual but catastrophic die-off of life.
Based on the passage, which of the following statements best describes the core claim made by Scientist 1?
- An asteroid impact initiated sudden dust blockages and global cooling, leading to ecosystem collapse.Cevap
- BProlonged volcanic eruptions released carbon dioxide, causing global warming and ocean acidification.
- CA gradual depletion of oxygen in the oceans directly resulted from acid rain.
- DOcean acidification directly blocked sunlight and prevented photosynthesis from occurring.