dinosaur extinction
Dinosaur extinction, occurring about 66 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous period, was primarily caused by a massive asteroid impact in what is now the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. This event created drastic environmental changes, including wildfires, tsunamis, and a "nuclear winter" effect that blocked sunlight, disrupting photosynthesis and food chains. Volcanic activity, particularly in India’s Deccan Traps, also contributed by releasing large amounts of ash and gases. These factors led to the extinction of approximately 75% of Earth's species, including all non-avian dinosaurs, reshaping the planet's biodiversity.
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The extinction of dinosaurs, around 66 million years ago, is primarily attributed to a massive asteroid impact in what is now Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. This event caused widespread fires, tsunamis, and a "nuclear winter" effect—blocking sunlight and disrupting climate. Additionally, intense volcanic activity in India (the Deccan Traps) released gases that contributed to long-term environmental changes. These factors led to the collapse of ecosystems, affecting food chains and ultimately causing the extinction of approximately 75% of Earth's species, including all non-avian dinosaurs. Avian dinosaurs, however, evolved into modern birds.
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Dinosaur extinction, most famously occurring around 66 million years ago, is primarily attributed to a catastrophic event, likely a massive asteroid impact near present-day Mexico. This impact would have caused widespread fires, tsunamis, and released dust and debris into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and disrupting climate. This led to dramatic temperature drops and affected plant life, which in turn impacted dinosaurs and other species reliant on these plants for food. Alongside volcanic activity and changing sea levels, these factors contributed to the extinction of about 75% of Earth’s species, including all non-avian dinosaurs.