Geologic Time: Early Life & Extinction Events — Quiz

Question 1 • Earth and Space Science

Which graph best illustrates how biodiversity has been affected by mass extinctions in Earth’s past?

Answer

Image with description A simple line graph with the x-axis labeled "Time" and the y-axis labeled "Diversity." The graph shows a straight line beginning at the origin and rising upward as it moves from left to right.

Image with description A simple line graph with the x-axis labeled "Time" and the y-axis labeled "Diversity." The graph shows a straight line beginning about three-quarters up the y-axis and sloping downward as it moves from left to right.

Image with description A simple line graph with the x-axis labeled "Time" and the y-axis labeled "Diversity." The graph shows a repeating pattern of upward-sloping lines followed by sharp drops, forming a jagged, rising, step-like pattern as it moves from left to right.

Image with description A simple line graph with the x-axis labeled "Time" and the y-axis labeled "Diversity." The graph shows a repeating pattern of downward-sloping lines followed by sharp increases, forming a jagged, falling, step-like pattern as it moves from left to right.

Explanation

Biodiversity generally increases over long periods as new species evolve, but mass extinctions cause sudden, sharp losses of species. The graph that shows gradual rises interrupted by sharp drops is C, the jagged, rising, step-like pattern. A shows uninterrupted growth, while D shows biodiversity generally declining.

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