The scientists believe that evolution is gradual. But extinction, part of evolutionary story, is 'sudden' and 'abrupt' and also group-specific. Comment whether a natural disaster can be the cause for extinction of species.

Yes, natural disasters can be a cause for extinction of species.

Sudden, abrupt and group-specific extinction have occurred in nature because:

i. Changes in the environmental conditions like excessive cooling or warming, drought or rains.

ii. Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, etc.

iii. Meteor hitting the earth led to large scale destruction.

There have been five major mass extinction events. The third mass extinction occurred during the End Permian. 96% of the total species were lost due to acid rain following a massive release of volcanic gases.