Mass Extinctions of organisms have happened several times in the history of our planet. These may have had different triggers, such as large volcanic eruptions, changes in climate conditions, changes in sea level or meteorite impacts.

One extinction event, 65 million years ago, has been particularly associated with meteorite impacts. An impact would generate a dust cloud and inject sulphuric acid aerosols into the stratosphere, which would block the sunlight and inhibit photosynthesis, affecting the whole food chain.