The current rapid loss of species is considered by many scientists to be another mass extinction. what may be causing this increase in extinction rate, beyond background extinction?

There have been 5 mass extinctions in the history of Earth, the main two are the K-T extinction (75% of the world organisms were killed) and the great paleozoic extinction. Scientists believe a massive meteorite caused the KT extinction but could also have been caused by some traps in India. The paleozoic extinction was believed to be caused by traps in Siberia which effected the temperature and atmospheric conditions of the tune

Hunting in the darksome fish rely on senses beyond sight. in the darkness of the marianas trench, a fish called the rattail has an extremely sensitive sense of smell. the fish uses scent, rather than sight, to steer toward food. once it's near food, the rattail uses a special organ on the bottom of its chin to guide itself by feel.marine snowone staple of the deep sea diet is "marine snow," flakes of organic, edible substances that sink down from the upper ocean. animals at the ocean's bottom find sustenance in everything from the bodies of dead creatures to fecal matter. marine snow is diverse enough to support numerous species. for instance, several species of snails and worms feed exclusively on deceased whales.microorganismsthe deep sea is an intricate ecosystem, and even the ocean floor itself plays a part. hydrothermal vents are cracks in the sea floor where erupting magma mixes with ocean water to produce plumes of hot, sulfur-rich chemicals. some microbes can use these chemicals for energy, sustaining their existence and that of the animals who depend on their roles in the deep sea food chain.