What geological evidence supports the hypothesis that volcanic activity played a major role in the Permian extinction?

• A. The presence of glacial deposits indicating a rapid cooling of the climate.
• B. The fossil record showing a sudden influx of new marine species.
• C. The presence of large igneous provinces and widespread volcanic ash layers near the Permian-Triassic boundary.
• D. The discovery of large impact craters from asteroid collisions.

Answer: (C)