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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT considered evidence that a large impact event contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs?
A
The discovery of a large impact crater (Chicxulub) in the Yucatán Peninsula
B
A worldwide layer of iridium-rich clay dating to the end of the Cretaceous period
C
The presence of shocked quartz and microtektites in the geologic record
D
A sudden increase in dinosaur fossil diversity after the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of the extinction of dinosaurs. Scientists hypothesize that a large impact event, such as an asteroid collision, contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs approximately 66 million years ago at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary.
Step 2: Review the evidence supporting the impact hypothesis. Key evidence includes: (1) the discovery of the Chicxulub crater in the Yucatán Peninsula, which is believed to be the site of the asteroid impact; (2) a worldwide layer of iridium-rich clay, as iridium is rare on Earth but abundant in asteroids; and (3) the presence of shocked quartz and microtektites, which are formed under high-pressure conditions typical of impact events.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. The first three options (Chicxulub crater, iridium-rich clay, and shocked quartz/microtektites) are all considered strong evidence for the impact hypothesis.
Step 4: Evaluate the fourth option: 'A sudden increase in dinosaur fossil diversity after the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.' This statement contradicts the extinction hypothesis, as the K-Pg boundary marks a significant decline in dinosaur fossils, not an increase. Therefore, this is NOT considered evidence of the impact event.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the fourth option, as it does not align with the evidence supporting the impact hypothesis and the extinction of dinosaurs.