22. an illustration of the fact that a sudden and great _____ struck the earth is the millions fo mammoths and other large animals frozen instantly and preserved, whole and undamaged.

catastrophe
cold front
ice age
permafrost

ice age right

This also makes good sense.

To determine the answer to this question, we need to analyze the descriptions provided and consider which option best fits the given context.

The phrase "millions of mammoths and other large animals frozen instantly and preserved, whole and undamaged" illustrates a sudden and great event that affected the Earth. This event is commonly associated with an era known as the Ice Age.

The Ice Age was a period in Earth's history marked by colder temperatures, resulting in the expansion of glaciers and the widespread occurrence of ice sheets. This era lasted for millions of years and had a significant impact on the planet's climate, geography, and ecosystems.

Considering the information provided, the most appropriate answer is "ice age." The occurrence of the Ice Age helps explain why millions of mammoths and other large animals were frozen instantly and preserved in a whole and undamaged state.