New Theory Explains Periodic Mass Extinctions

i_like_spam writes "The theory that the dinosaurs were wiped out by an asteroid impact, the K-T extinction, is well known and supported by fossil and geological evidence. Asteroid impact theory does not apply to the other fluctuations in biodiversity, however, which follow an approximate 62 million-year cycle. As reported in Science, a new theory seems to explain periodic mass extinctions. The new theory found that oscillations in the Sun relative to the plane of the Milky Way correlate with changes in biodiversity on Earth. The researchers suggest that an increase in the exposure of Earth to extragalactic cosmic rays causes mass extinctions. The original paper describing the findings is available online."

Comments

Or Maybe...

[MxTxL]

The researchers suggest that an increase in the exposure of Earth to extragalactic cosmic rays causes mass extinctions.

Or maybe, the increased radiation merely causes some periods of increased mutations... extinctions follow as species are outcompeted for resources.

to quote inidana jones:

[conspirator57]

you say: "A truth is a fact,"

Indiana Jones says, "Archaeology is the search for fact... not truth. If it's truth you're looking for, Dr. Tyree's philosophy class is right down the hall."