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Sudden changes in environmental conditions.

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How many mass extinctions have occurred in the past 4 billion years on earth?

There have been five mass extinctions in the past 4 billion years on Earth. These events resulted in the widespread loss of species and fundamentally reshaped the evolution of life on our planet.


Why many scientists believe that something other than asteroids have caused most of the catastrophic extinctions of the Earth's past?

Many scientists believe that something other than asteroids have caused most catastrophic extinctions because some events, like the Permian extinction, show multiple stressors occurred simultaneously. The Deccan Traps volcanic eruptions coincide with the extinction of dinosaurs, suggesting a connection. Additionally, gradual environmental changes and feedback loops could have contributed to mass extinctions more than singular events like asteroid impacts.


What is most likely to occur as a result of two tectonic plates sliding past each other horizontally?

A transform boundary is most likely to form, where the plates slide horizontally past each other. This movement may result in earthquakes due to friction and stress buildup along the boundary.


Characteristics of past mass extinctions?

Past mass extinctions are characterized by significant and rapid loss of biodiversity across various taxa, often resulting in the extinction of a large percentage of species within a relatively short geological timeframe. Common causes include dramatic environmental changes, such as volcanic eruptions, climate shifts, asteroid impacts, and ocean acidification. These events often disrupt ecosystems and food chains, leading to long-lasting impacts on the planet's biological diversity. Notably, the five major mass extinctions, including the Permian-Triassic and Cretaceous-Paleogene extinctions, have reshaped the course of evolution and the structure of life on Earth.


When was the last tsunamis that occurred in the past?

in 2014