Source: LS

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Context:

1. The End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME) is also known as the Permian-Triassic Extinction Event or The Great Dying.
2. However, It occurred around 252 million years ago.
3. And It is the most severe extinction event in Earth's history.
4. This was also the transition from the Permian Period to the Triassic Period.
5. And it has killed 90% of life on Earth, including more than 95% of marine species & around 70% of terrestrial species.

Key Details: 

1. What is EPME:

• The End Permian Mass Extinction is the deadliest extinction event in Earth's history.
• It happened at the boundary between the Permian Period & the Triassic Period.
• Around 90% of all species on Earth went extinct.

2. Causes of the End-Permian Mass Extinction:

• Siberian Traps Volcanic Eruptions:
  • • Massive volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps were the main cause.
    • These eruptions covered 2 million square km. with lava.
    • They also released large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
• Global Warming:
  • • CO2 levels increased and also it led to a rise in temperatures by over 10°C on land & 8°C in oceans.
    • This caused extreme global warming in a short period.
• Atmospheric and Oceanic Changes:
  • • The volcanic eruptions released acid aerosols & dust clouds.
    • These clouds blocked sunlight & prevented photosynthesis.
    • This caused food chains to collapse.
    • Moreover, Ocean acidification also disrupted marine life.
    • And it led to the collapse of ocean ecosystems.

3. New Fossil Evidence:

• Recently , there were fossil findings.
• It suggested that plant life might not have been as affected as thought earlier.
• Some plants survived or quickly recovered.
• This challenges the earlier view that all plant life perished during the extinction.

4. Geological and Atmospheric Effects:

• The Siberian Traps released methane (CH4). It is a potent greenhouse gas.
• This may have contributed to further warming & environmental disruption..
• The volcanic eruptions led to changes in Earth's climate. It caused extreme shifts in temperature, rainfall, & atmospheric composition.

Conclusion:

The most devastating event in Earth's history was the End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME). The Siberian Traps volcanic eruptions caused extreme increases in global temperatures, ocean acidification, and atmospheric changes. These led to the collapse of ecosystems worldwide. However, recent fossil evidence suggests that some plants may have survived or recovered more quickly than previously thought. Understanding this extinction is important for studying Earth's evolutionary history and the potential impact of environmental changes.

Source: LS