Browsing: Cretaceous-Tertiary Extinction Event

The Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) Extinction Event, now more commonly referred to as the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Extinction Event, occurred around 66 million years ago and is one of the most significant mass extinctions in Earth’s history. It marked the end of the Cretaceous Period and led to the extinction of approximately 75% of all species, including all non-avian dinosaurs. The leading theory for this event is that a massive asteroid or comet struck the Earth, creating the Chicxulub crater in what is now Mexico. This impact likely caused widespread fires, a “nuclear winter” effect with blocked sunlight, and global climate disruptions, drastically affecting ecosystems. In addition to the asteroid theory, volcanic activity and changing sea levels may have contributed to the environmental stresses leading to the extinction. The event paved the way for the rise of mammals and the eventual dominance of humans.