End-Permian Extinction

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The End-Permian Extinction, also known as the "Great Dying," occurred approximately 252 million years ago. It is the most severe extinction event in Earth's history, resulting in the loss of about 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species. This catastrophic event marked the end of the Permian period and the beginning of the Triassic period. The primary cause is attributed to massive volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps, which released large amounts of greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and ocean acidification. These volcanic eruptions not only warmed the planet but also altered ocean chemistry, creating oxygen-starved conditions and acidic environments that were inhospitable to many forms of life. The impact was global, affecting both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The extinction had profound effects on Earth's biodiversity, leading to significant changes in the evolution of life on Earth. It took millions of years for ecosystems to recover from this event, which remains a crucial point of study for understanding mass extinctions and their impacts on Earth's ecosystems.