End-Triassic Extinction

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The End-Triassic Extinction, occurring approximately 201.5 million years ago, marks a pivotal event in Earth's history. It is characterized by the demise of about 76% of all marine and terrestrial species, significantly impacting both land and sea ecosystems. This extinction event is often linked to massive volcanic eruptions in the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP), which released substantial amounts of carbon dioxide, sulfur, and methane into the atmosphere. These emissions led to profound global warming and ocean acidification, creating conditions hostile to many species. The aftermath of the extinction allowed dinosaurs to dominate terrestrial ecosystems for the next 135 million years. On land, while many archosauromorph reptiles became extinct, dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and mammals were less affected. In the oceans, severe losses were observed among corals, bivalves, and brachiopods. The event also led to significant changes in marine chemistry, including euxinic conditions and anoxia. These environmental shifts were crucial in shaping the course of life on Earth, paving the way for the Jurassic period's diverse ecosystems.