Is there an upside to mass extinction?

Answer 1

While mass extinctions are typically devastating for biodiversity and ecosystems, they can lead to some potential upsides. For instance, they create opportunities for the evolution of new species and the emergence of novel ecosystems, often resulting in increased biodiversity over geological timescales. Additionally, the removal of dominant species can allow for adaptive radiation, where surviving species fill ecological niches and drive innovation in traits and behaviors. However, these processes take millions of years, and the immediate consequences of mass extinction are overwhelmingly negative for existing life forms.