Extinction is an ongoing process, with examples recorded in both ancient fossils and recent human observations. (a) Which mass extinction is considered the largest one, which almost wiped out life on earth, and what was the likely cause of this? (b) What was the K/T event and what evidence is there for its likely cause?
(c) The Pleistocene megafauna contained many remarkable mammals that no longer walk the earth. Which two factors are considered the most likely causes of extinction? (d) Since humans settled the Hawaiian Islands, the native birds have suffered two major waves of extinction. Describe the main features of the two waves and the factors thought to be involved?