The Catastrophic Theory is a scientific theory that explains the mass extinction of species occurred in the past. It suggests that sudden, catastrophic events such as asteroid impacts or volcanic eruptions caused these extinctions. The theory states that these events caused rapid changes in the Earth's environment, which made it difficult for many species to survive.

Causes of Catastrophic Events:
There are several causes of catastrophic events that are responsible for the mass extinction of species. Some of these causes are:

1. Asteroid Impacts: An asteroid impact can cause catastrophic changes in the Earth's environment. It can cause a massive explosion that can send debris flying into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and causing a global cooling effect.

2. Volcanic Eruptions: Volcanic eruptions can cause massive amounts of ash and gas to be released into the atmosphere, which can cause a cooling effect. The ash can also block sunlight, making it difficult for plants to grow.

3. Climate Change: Climate change can also cause catastrophic events. It can cause sea levels to rise, which can flood coastal areas. It can also cause droughts and other extreme weather events.

Evidence of Catastrophic Events:
There are several pieces of evidence that support the Catastrophic Theory. Some of these are:

1. Fossil Record: The fossil record shows that many species suddenly went extinct at the same time. This suggests that a catastrophic event may have been responsible.

2. Crater Evidence: Some craters on Earth suggest that asteroid impacts may have occurred. These craters match the time period when many species went extinct.

3. Geological Evidence: Geological evidence such as layers of ash or evidence of mass extinction in sedimentary rocks suggests that volcanic eruptions may have occurred.

Conclusion:
The Catastrophic Theory is a scientific theory that explains the mass extinction of species occurred in the past. It suggests that sudden, catastrophic events such as asteroid impacts or volcanic eruptions caused these extinctions. The theory is supported by several pieces of evidence, including the fossil record, crater evidence, and geological evidence.

Originated by the French mathematician Rene Thom in the 1960s, catastrophe theory is a special branch of dynamical systems theory. It studies and classifies phenomena characterized by sudden shifts in behavior arising from small changes in circumstances.