End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME)

News: The discovery of a plant refuge from the End-Permian mass extinction in China is significant because it challenges the long-held belief that the “Great Dying” was equally catastrophic for all life forms. End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME).

About End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME)

• The End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME) is considered the largest mass extinction event in Earth’s history, with an estimated 80-90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species going extinct.
• It is also known as the “Great Dying.”
• It occurred approximately 251.9 million years ago at the end of the Permian period.
• Causes of the Extinction
  • Massive Volcanic Eruptions – Huge volcanic eruptions in Siberia released large amounts of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane) into the atmosphere.
  • Global Warming – These greenhouse gases caused Earth’s temperature to rise significantly.
  • Oxygen Loss in Oceans – Warmer water holds less oxygen, making it hard for marine animals to breathe.
  • Higher Metabolism in Marine Life – As temperatures rose, marine animals needed more oxygen to survive, but there wasn’t enough in the water.
  • Marine Species Died – About 96% of marine species couldn’t survive due to a lack of oxygen and extreme temperatures.
  • More Impact at the Poles – Cold-water species were hit the hardest because they couldn’t move to cooler areas like tropical species.
  • Other Possible Factors – Acidification, toxic metals, and changes in ocean food chains may have worsened the extinction.
• Impact:
  • Marine Ecosystems: The EPME had a catastrophic impact on marine life, leading to the extinction of entire groups of organisms. Coral reefs, trilobites, ammonites, and many other marine species disappeared completely. The collapse of food chains in the oceans resulted in widespread extinction across different levels of the ecosystem.
  • Terrestrial Ecosystems: Many large amphibians and reptiles were wiped out, but some plant species managed to survive. While many animal species went extinct, others, such as early synapsids (ancestors of mammals), managed to survive and later evolved into dominant land creatures.
  • Survival and Refuge Zones: Unlike marine species that had no escape from ocean acidification, some land plants and animals found refuge in regions that were less affected by climate change.