February 25, 2008

1. How can a volcanic eruption produce short-term global cooling?

Volcanic ash and suspended material can block sunlight, reducing atmospheric temperatures.

2. Please name two organism groups which went completely extinct at the end of the Permian:

            Trilobites   and  tabulate or rugose corals

 3. What is the critical gas, produced by oceanic bacteria, which may be at the root of the Permian extinctions?

Hydrogen sulfide

4. What is our direct evidence for massive volcanic eruptions at the end of the Permian?

The Siberian Traps are thick layers of basalt from massive volcanic eruptions. They are dated to the end of the Permian.

___________________________________________________
Extra Credit.  A History of Life tradition.  Always optional.  One point for each correct answer.

Which film won the Oscar for Best Picture last night? No Country for Old Men

Who is now the president of Cuba?  (First and last names!) Raul Castro