What major event occurred during the Paleozoic Era?

Study for the DAT Quantitative Reasoning Test with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Hone your skills and get ready for your exam!

The Paleozoic Era, which spans from approximately 541 to 252 million years ago, is characterized by significant evolutionary events. The largest mass extinction at the end of this era, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction event, occurred about 252 million years ago. This catastrophic event is notable for its scale, as it wiped out around 90% of marine species and a substantial percentage of terrestrial species. This mass extinction had profound effects on the course of life on Earth, leading to the eventual emergence and dominance of different groups of organisms in subsequent eras.

The other options, while significant, relate to events or evolutionary developments that occurred at different times in the history of life. The formation of multicellular organisms and the development of flowering plants are key evolutionary milestones, but they happened earlier or later than the Paleozoic Era. The rise of mammals took place much later, primarily in the Mesozoic Era following the end of the Paleozoic. Therefore, the choice highlighting the largest mass extinction is an accurate reflection of a major event that defined the Paleozoic Era.

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