Chapter 29, Problem 15RQ

To determine

The cause of the cretaceous extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Answer to Problem 15RQ

The cause of the cretaceous extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs was due to the impact.

Explanation of Solution

The mass extinction of approximately more than 60% of Earth's species took place at the end of the Cretaceous period. Many species like dinosaurs, flying reptiles, and marine reptiles were completely wiped out. This great extinction was caused due to the collision of a very large meteorite that hit Earth. This impact caused an earthquake and massive shockwaves and also released a tremendous amount of heat. This impact also causes the formation of a huge cloud over the atmosphere, lasting enough to stop photosynthesis. This is the reason more of the Earth species wiped out in cretaceous extinction.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the cause of the cretaceous extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs was due to the impact.