What likely contributed to the extinction that marks the end of the mesozoic era?

an ice age

global flooding

a meteorite collision

global warming

a meteorite collision

The correct answer is - a meteorite collision.

The Mesozoic era ended with the big extinction that occurred on the Earth around 66 million years ago. It is believed that the reason for the mass extinction was a meteorite collision, that happened just of the coast of Yucatan, Mexico.

The collision was so strong that it affected the whole planet, changing the temperature, creating a huge cloud of dust around it and blocking the Sun, contributing to big volcanic and earthquake activity.

All of the resulted in a very rapid mass extinction. The best known group of animals that were extinct were the dinosaurs.

This event opened the doors for the mammals to evolve, and latter to dominate the planet.