Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event
The Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, also known as the K-Pg extinction, was a massive extinction event that occurred approximately 65 million years ago, marking the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of the Paleogene period. This event led to the demise of about 75% of all species on Earth, including the non-avian dinosaurs. The exact cause of the extinction is still debated, but the most widely accepted theory is that a combination of factors, including a massive asteroid impact and intense volcanic activity, led to a prolonged period of climate change and ecosystem disruption. The K-Pg extinction had a profound impact on the evolution of life on Earth, paving the way for the rise of mammals and eventually, the emergence of the human species. The study of this event has shed light on the geological records of our planet and has significant implications for our understanding of ecology and conservation biology.