Permian

Definition

The Permian is a geologic period that lasted from approximately 299 to 252 million years ago, marking the final segment of the Paleozoic Era. This period is known for significant geological and biological changes, including the formation of supercontinents, major evolutionary developments in flora and fauna, and the largest mass extinction event in Earth's history at its close.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Permian period saw the formation of the supercontinent Pangea, which greatly affected global climate and ocean currents.
2. During the Permian, life diversified dramatically with the emergence of reptiles and early mammal-like reptiles known as synapsids.
3. The end of the Permian period is marked by the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which eliminated around 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrates.
4. The climate during the Permian varied significantly, with some regions experiencing arid conditions while others were lush and humid, leading to diverse ecosystems.
5. Fossil evidence from the Permian provides critical insights into early plant evolution, particularly the rise of seed plants and conifers.

Review Questions

• What were some major geological and biological changes that occurred during the Permian period?
  • The Permian period was marked by significant geological changes such as the assembly of Pangea, which altered sea levels and climate patterns. Biologically, it witnessed the diversification of life forms including the rise of reptiles and synapsids. These changes set the stage for evolutionary developments that would be critical in shaping ecosystems leading into the Mesozoic Era.
• Discuss the impact of the Permian-Triassic extinction event on biodiversity and what it meant for life on Earth.
  • The Permian-Triassic extinction event had a catastrophic impact on biodiversity, resulting in approximately 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrates going extinct. This mass extinction drastically reshaped ecosystems and allowed for new groups of organisms to emerge and diversify in the aftermath. The event is considered a pivotal moment in Earth’s history that reset biological evolution.
• Evaluate how the climatic conditions during the Permian influenced evolutionary trends in terrestrial ecosystems.
  • Climatic conditions during the Permian were highly variable, featuring both arid deserts and lush equatorial regions. This variability influenced evolutionary trends significantly; for instance, plants adapted to different climates led to a greater variety of ecosystems. The emergence of seed plants during this time provided reproductive advantages that allowed them to thrive in diverse environments. As these plants spread, they supported new herbivorous animals and altered food webs, showcasing how climate can drive evolutionary change.

Related terms

Paleozoic Era:

The Paleozoic Era is a major division of geological time that spanned from about 541 to 252 million years ago, encompassing several important periods including the Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian.

Mass Extinction: A mass extinction refers to a widespread and rapid decrease in biodiversity on Earth, characterized by the extinction of a large number of species in a relatively short geological time frame.

Supercontinent Pangea: Pangea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, including most of Earth's landmasses joined together during the Permian period.