How Did Dinosaurs Become Extinct? Quiz
Do you know how dinosaurs became extinct? Well, scientists believe that there can be more than one reason that made dinosaurs extinct. Here's an interesting quiz below that is designed to test your knowledge about the dinosaur extinction theory. Do you think you'll be able to pass this test? Start answering these questions and we'll see how well you can perform.
This quiz will challenge you to explore various hypotheses including asteroid impacts, volcanic activity, and climate changes that may have led to the demise of these magnificent creatures. As you navigate through the questions, you'll uncover evidence and arguments Read morethat paleontologists have pieced together over decades. Prepare to think critically and connect the dots—let's find out if you can crack the case of the dinosaurs' disappearance!
Dinosaur Extinction Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is the most popular theory for the extinction of dinosaurs?
- A.
Volcanic activity
- B.
Ice age
- C.
Asteroid impact
- D.
Overhunting by humans
Correct Answer
C. Asteroid impactExplanation
The most widely accepted theory for the extinction of dinosaurs is the asteroid impact theory. This theory proposes that a massive asteroid struck the Earth approximately 66 million years ago, leading to a series of catastrophic environmental changes. The impact likely created a massive dust cloud that blocked sunlight, dramatically altering the climate and disrupting photosynthesis, which in turn caused a drastic decline in plant and subsequently herbivore populations, followed by the carnivores that depended on them. The theory is supported by a worldwide layer of sediment rich in iridium, a rare element on Earth's surface but common in asteroids, found at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. The other options, such as volcanic activity and ice age, do have some support as contributing factors but are not considered the primary cause. The option suggesting overhunting by humans is incorrect, as humans did not exist during the time of the dinosaurs.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What evidence supports the asteroid impact theory?
- A.
Discovery of tektites
- B.
Increase in oxygen levels
- C.
Discovery of large craters
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
The evidence that supports the asteroid impact theory includes all of the above:Discovery of tektites: Tektites are small glassy objects formed from the heat and pressure of meteorite impacts. Their presence in the geological record suggests a massive asteroid impact event.Increase in oxygen levels: An increase in oxygen levels in the atmosphere could be linked to the combustion and atmospheric re-entry of an asteroid.Discovery of large craters: The identification of large impact craters around the world, such as the Chicxulub crater in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, provides strong evidence for asteroid impacts that could have had devastating consequences for life on Earth.Collectively, these pieces of evidence lend support to the asteroid impact theory, which has significant implications for understanding Earth's geological history and the evolution of life on our planet.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Around what time did the dinosaurs become extinct?
- A.
65 million years ago
- B.
200 million years ago
- C.
1 million years ago
- D.
500,000 years ago
Correct Answer
A. 65 million years agoExplanation
Dinosaurs became extinct approximately 65 million years ago, at the end of the Cretaceous period. This timeline marks a significant geological boundary known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary, previously referred to as the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary. The extinction event that occurred around this time is believed to have wiped out nearly 75% of all species on Earth, including all non-avian dinosaurs. The widespread extinction is attributed mainly to the catastrophic impact of a large asteroid, along with other environmental stresses that may have contributed to the mass die-off. The other time frames listed—200 million years ago, 1 million years ago, and 500,000 years ago—are incorrect and do not align with the established scientific understanding of when dinosaurs went extinct.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which geological period did the dinosaurs go extinct?
- A.
Jurassic
- B.
Triassic
- C.
Cretaceous
- D.
Permian
Correct Answer
C. CretaceousExplanation
Dinosaurs went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, which is the last period of the Mesozoic Era. This period ended about 66 million years ago with a mass extinction event, known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event. This event is famous for causing the extinction of nearly three-quarters of Earth's plant and animal species, including all non-avian dinosaurs. The other periods listed—Jurassic, Triassic, and Permian—do not correspond with the timing of the dinosaurs' extinction. The Triassic and Jurassic were earlier periods in the Mesozoic Era, and the Permian occurred before the Mesozoic, marking the end of the Paleozoic Era.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What other species went extinct during the same event as the dinosaurs?
- A.
Early birds
- B.
Marine reptiles
- C.
Mammals
- D.
Both early birds and marine reptiles
Correct Answer
D. Both early birds and marine reptilesExplanation
During the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event, which led to the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs, numerous other species also went extinct. This included many early birds and various marine reptiles. The impact of the asteroid, combined with the resulting environmental changes—such as temperature fluctuations and disruptions in food chains—affected a wide range of terrestrial and marine life. While many early bird species perished, some avian dinosaurs (the ancestors of modern birds) survived. Similarly, while many marine reptiles became extinct, other marine life forms and some early mammals managed to survive and eventually thrive in the post-dinosaur era. Thus, the option "Both early birds and marine reptiles" accurately captures the broad impact of the extinction event across different groups of animals. UserRate this question:
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- 6.
How do scientists believe volcanic activity contributed to the extinction?
- A.
Cooling of the Earth
- B.
Flooding
- C.
Blocking sunlight and cooling the planet
- D.
Producing extra oxygen
Correct Answer
C. Blocking sunlight and cooling the planetExplanation
Scientists believe that volcanic activity contributed to the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period by blocking sunlight and cooling the planet. Massive volcanic eruptions, such as those associated with the Deccan Traps in what is now India, released enormous quantities of ash and sulfuric aerosols into the atmosphere. These particles and gases can have a cooling effect on the climate by reflecting sunlight back into space and reducing the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. This global cooling could disrupt ecosystems, particularly affecting photosynthesis in plants, leading to a collapse in food chains that depended on plant life, thereby exacerbating the extinction event. The other options, such as cooling of the Earth independently of sunlight blocking, flooding, and producing extra oxygen, do not directly relate to the impact volcanic activity is thought to have had during this period.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What role did climate change play in dinosaur extinction?
- A.
Caused more rain
- B.
Led to habitat destruction
- C.
Created uninhabitable hot temperatures
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Climate change played a multifaceted role in the extinction of the dinosaurs by contributing to environmental conditions that were unsuitable for their survival. The impact of the asteroid at the end of the Cretaceous period likely triggered global climate changes, including:1. Caused more rain: Increased precipitation could lead to flooding and changes in water salinity, disrupting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.2. Led to habitat destruction: Rapid and severe changes in climate could lead to the destruction of critical habitats, affecting food sources and living conditions necessary for dinosaur survival.3. Created uninhabitable hot temperatures: Initially, the impact could generate intense heat from fires and shockwaves. Subsequently, it might lead to a "nuclear winter" effect where dust and debris block sunlight, drastically cooling the Earth, followed by a greenhouse effect warming the planet as gases like carbon dioxide build up in the atmosphere.These combined effects would disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystems that dinosaurs depended on, contributing significantly to their extinction.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is the name of the crater linked to the asteroid impact theory?
- A.
Barringer Crater
- B.
Chicxulub Crater
- C.
Manicouagan Crater
- D.
Siberian Crater
Correct Answer
B. Chicxulub CraterExplanation
The Chicxulub Crater, located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, is the crater most closely linked to the asteroid impact theory for the mass extinction event that occurred at the end of the Cretaceous period, about 66 million years ago. This impact is believed to have led to the mass extinction of the dinosaurs and many other life forms. The crater itself is more than 150 kilometers (93 miles) in diameter, making it one of the largest confirmed impact structures on Earth. Its discovery provided crucial evidence supporting the hypothesis that a catastrophic impact event was a primary cause of the mass extinction. The other craters listed—Barringer, Manicouagan, and Siberian—are significant geological features but are not associated with the event that led to the demise of the dinosaurs.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following is not a potential cause of dinosaur extinction discussed by scientists?
- A.
Pandemic diseases
- B.
Climate change
- C.
Volcanic eruptions
- D.
Galactic changes
Correct Answer
D. Galactic changesExplanation
Galactic changes are not typically discussed by scientists as a potential cause of dinosaur extinction. The main theories considered by the scientific community include pandemic diseases, which could have spread rapidly among dinosaur populations; climate change, which could have altered habitats and food sources dramatically; and volcanic eruptions, like those of the Deccan Traps, which could have influenced global climate and environmental conditions. While these factors are grounded in geological and biological evidence, galactic changes, such as shifts in the Milky Way or cosmic radiation variations, are not commonly cited as direct causes of the mass extinction that ended the reign of the dinosaurs.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Besides asteroids, what natural disaster is thought to have contributed to the dinosaur extinction?
- A.
Tsunamis
- B.
Earthquakes
- C.
Volcanic eruptions
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
C. Volcanic eruptionsExplanation
Volcanic eruptions are thought to have contributed to the dinosaur extinction, in addition to the asteroid impact. The Deccan Traps, a large igneous province in present-day India, experienced massive volcanic eruptions around the same time as the asteroid impact. These volcanic activities released vast amounts of dust, debris, and gases into the atmosphere, causing rapid climate change, acid rain, and other environmental disturbances. The combined effects of the asteroid impact and widespread volcanic activity likely contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs and many other species at the end of the Cretaceous period. While tsunamis and earthquakes may have been associated with the asteroid impact event, volcanic eruptions played a more significant role in the extinction scenario, along with the asteroid impact.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Apr 17, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Apr 11, 2013Quiz Created by
Msloney
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