Which major extinction event was caused by an asteroid collision and eliminated the majority of non-avian dinosaurs?

The story behind the answer

The correct answer is the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, which occurred approximately 66 million years ago when a massive asteroid collided with Earth, leading to drastic environmental changes. This cataclysmic event resulted in the extinction of nearly 75% of Earth's species, including most non-avian dinosaurs, fundamentally reshaping the planet's biodiversity.

Interestingly, this event is often linked to the Yucatán Peninsula's Chicxulub crater, a remnant of the impact. The aftermath included wildfires, a "nuclear winter" effect from dust clouding the atmosphere, and significant climate shifts. Understanding this extinction helps us appreciate Earth's evolutionary history, illustrating how catastrophic events can lead to the rise of new species, including mammals, paving the way for the eventual dominance of humans.