For Much of the Cretaceous, Bivalves Belonging to the Inoceramidae

Multiple Choice

For much of the Cretaceous, bivalves belonging to the Inoceramidae were among the most prominent bottom dwellers in aquatic communities, but then declined at the end of the Cretaceous, eventually going extinct. What does the figure tell us about the reason(s) the inoceramid species went extinct?

A) Shell deformities observed in fossils indicated a significant change in the chemistry of the oceans, which likely led to the extinction of the Inoceramidae.
B) Shell deformities observed in fossils indicated a significant increase in ocean temperature, which led to malformation of shells during development, causing the subsequent extinction of the Inoceramidae.
C) Shell deformities observed in fossils indicated a significant increase in predation, which likely led to the extinction of the Inoceramidae.
D) Shell deformities observed in fossils are difficult to interpret and could result from many factors.