Cause & Impact of Largest Mass Extinction of All Time- End Permian Extinctions | GEO GIRL

Summary

This video explores the 'Great Dying,' the largest mass extinction in Earth's history, occurring at the end of the Permian period. It discusses the 96% species loss, including marine life like fusilinids and corals, and terrestrial life like gymnosperms. The extinction was triggered by volcanic activity, causing global warming, ocean anoxia, and acidification. The Siberian Traps eruptions were a significant factor, releasing CO2 and damaging the ozone layer. The video also touches on the recovery of life post-extinction, emphasizing the role of such events in evolution.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The Great Dying at the end of the Permian period was the largest mass extinction event in Earth's history, causing the extinction of nearly 96% of all species.
• 🗓️ The event occurred around 251 million years ago, marking the end of the Paleozoic Era.
• 🌊 Marine life was severely impacted, with extinctions including fusilinids, rugose and tabulate corals, trilobites, and many others.
• 🌿 Terrestrial life was also affected, with the decline of many woody conifers and gymnosperms, replaced by smaller lycopods.
• 🌋 The extinction event was likely triggered by volcanic activity, specifically the Siberian Traps eruptions, which released massive amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
• 🌡️ Global warming, ocean anoxia, and ocean acidification were significant factors contributing to the extinctions.
• 🌊 The formation of the supercontinent Pangaea altered ocean circulation, leading to stagnant and anoxic oceans.
• 🌿 The decline of carbonate-precipitating organisms like fusilinids and corals led to a fundamental change in carbonate production.
• 🦋 The extinction event paved the way for the radiation of new species, such as the lycopods and the survival of genera like Lystrosaurus.
• 🔍 The script highlights the interconnectedness of geological, atmospheric, and biological factors in driving mass extinctions.

Q & A

What is the 'Great Dying' referred to in the script?

The 'Great Dying' refers to the largest extinction event in Earth's history, which occurred at the end of the Permian period, resulting in the extinction of approximately 60% of all genera and 80% of all species.

How does the end-Permian extinction event relate to the 'Big Five' mass extinctions?

The end-Permian extinction event is considered one of the 'Big Five' recognized major mass extinctions throughout Earth's history.

What is the significance of the end-Guadalupian extinction event mentioned in the script?

The end-Guadalupian extinction event is an earlier event within the Permian period that caused a significant decline in marine life, particularly among reef builders, and is sometimes considered for inclusion as a sixth major extinction event.

What was the impact of the end-Guadalupian extinction on reef-building organisms?

The end-Guadalupian extinction event led to a major decline in reef-building organisms such as rugose corals and reef carbonate productivity decreased by 90%.

How long did it take for reefs to recover after the end-Guadalupian extinction event?

Recovery of reefs after the end-Guadalupian extinction event took nearly five to seven million years.

What caused the end-Guadalupian extinction event according to the script?

The end-Guadalupian extinction event is believed to have been caused by volcanism, specifically the volcanic eruptions that formed the Emeishan flood deposits in China.

How did the end-Permian extinction affect marine life compared to terrestrial life?

The end-Permian extinction event affected both marine and terrestrial life, but marine life was hit harder due to factors like ocean anoxia and acidification.

What were some of the terrestrial life forms impacted by the end-Permian extinction?

Terrestrial life forms impacted by the end-Permian extinction included many woody conifers and gymnosperms, which were replaced by smaller lycopods.

What role did the formation of Pangea play in the end-Permian extinction event?

The formation of Pangea contributed to the end-Permian extinction by causing changes in ocean circulation, leading to stagnant and anoxic oceans, and creating vast arid climates.

What were the Siberian Traps and how are they related to the end-Permian extinction?

The Siberian Traps were massive volcanic eruptions that released large amounts of CO2 and other harmful gases, causing a sharp increase in global temperatures and contributing to the end-Permian extinction event.

How did the end-Permian extinction event set the stage for future life on Earth?

The end-Permian extinction event cleared out ecological niches, allowing the survivors to radiate and evolve into new forms, which is essential for evolution and diversification.