The Paleozoic Era ended with a mass extinction event. What is the name for this mass extinction?

• A. Triassic-Jurassic extinction
• B. Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction
• C. Ordovician-Silurian extinction
• D. Permian-Triassic extinction

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the question. The Paleozoic Era is a geological time period that spans from approximately 541 to 252 million years ago. It ended with a significant mass extinction event.
2. Step 2: Review the major mass extinction events in Earth's history. There are five major extinctions: Ordovician-Silurian, Late Devonian, Permian-Triassic, Triassic-Jurassic, and Cretaceous-Paleogene.
3. Step 3: Focus on the Permian-Triassic extinction event. This extinction occurred approximately 252 million years ago and marks the boundary between the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Eras. It is considered the most severe extinction event in Earth's history, with an estimated 90-96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species going extinct.
4. Step 4: Compare the other options provided in the question. The Triassic-Jurassic extinction occurred later, around 201 million years ago, during the Mesozoic Era. The Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction happened approximately 66 million years ago, marking the end of the Mesozoic Era. The Ordovician-Silurian extinction occurred earlier, around 443 million years ago, during the Paleozoic Era but did not mark its end.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the Permian-Triassic extinction, as it aligns with the timing and significance of the event that ended the Paleozoic Era.