Question

The scientists believe that evolution is gradual. But extinction, part of evolutionary story, are 'sudden' and 'abrupt' and also group-specific. Comment whether a natural disaster can be the cause for extinction of species.

Answer 1

Evolution

Evolution is a slow and gradual process that occurs over several years leading to the formation of complex organisms from simpler forms.

Extinction

A sudden change in the environment of species may allow for certain well adapted species to survive whereas the older species may become extinct.

Natural disaster and extinction

Natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, floods, cyclones etc. could decrease the population of a species and the surviving population may evolve into a new species over the course of time.
Those species that fail to survive might go extinct. Thus it can be said that natural disaster can be one of the cause for extinction of a species.