currently we are experiencing the..... episode of mass extinction of species

Options

A. Fifth
B. Sixth
C. Seventh
D. Tenth

Answer

To answer the question regarding the current episode of mass extinction of species, we will analyze the options provided step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Mass Extinction**:
- Mass extinction events are significant and rapid decreases in biodiversity on Earth, characterized by the extinction of a large number of species in a relatively short period of geological time.

2. **Identifying Past Extinction Events**:
- Historically, there have been five major mass extinction events recognized:
- **Ordovician-Silurian Extinction** (about 444 million years ago)
- **Late Devonian Extinction** (about 383-359 million years ago)
- **Permian-Triassic Extinction** (about 252 million years ago)
- **Triassic-Jurassic Extinction** (about 201 million years ago)
- **Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction** (about 66 million years ago)

3. **Current Mass Extinction**:
- Scientists believe we are currently experiencing the **sixth mass extinction**. This ongoing event is primarily driven by human activities, including habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of species.

4. **Evaluating Options**:
- The options provided are:
- 5th
- 6th
- 7th
- 10th
- Based on our understanding, the correct answer is **6th**, as we are currently in the sixth episode of mass extinction.

5. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the answer to the question is **6th**.