End-Permian extinction

Definition

The end-Permian extinction, also known as the Great Dying, was a massive global event that occurred approximately 252 million years ago, resulting in the loss of about 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrates. This extinction event is closely linked to significant geological and climatic changes influenced by plate tectonics, which altered the Earth's environment and ecosystems during that period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The end-Permian extinction was the most severe biodiversity loss in Earth's history, occurring over a relatively short geological timeframe.
2. Massive volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps released large amounts of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to drastic climate changes.
3. The rise in ocean temperatures and acidification contributed to widespread marine habitat loss, significantly affecting coral reefs and marine life.
4. Changes in sea level due to tectonic activity and continental rearrangements disrupted ecosystems both on land and in the oceans.
5. The end-Permian extinction set the stage for the rise of dinosaurs in the subsequent Mesozoic Era, as it drastically altered the biological landscape.

Review Questions

• How did plate tectonics contribute to the environmental changes leading up to the end-Permian extinction?
  • Plate tectonics played a crucial role in reshaping continents and ocean basins during the late Permian period. The movement of tectonic plates led to volcanic activity, particularly in the Siberian Traps, which released greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases caused significant climate changes, including increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, which contributed to habitat destruction and ultimately triggered the mass extinction event.
• Discuss how volcanism during the end-Permian extinction impacted global climate and biodiversity.
  • Volcanism during the end-Permian extinction had profound effects on global climate. The eruptions released vast amounts of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to greenhouse warming and acid rain. These changes drastically altered habitats and disrupted food chains, resulting in significant declines in biodiversity across marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Many species were unable to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions, leading to their extinction.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the end-Permian extinction on Earth's evolutionary trajectory and climate systems.
  • The end-Permian extinction had lasting impacts on Earth's evolutionary trajectory by eliminating many dominant species and opening ecological niches. The dramatic loss of biodiversity allowed for new groups of organisms, such as dinosaurs and mammals, to evolve and thrive in their absence. Additionally, this extinction event altered climate systems by affecting carbon cycling and ocean chemistry. The ecological upheaval from this event paved the way for significant evolutionary changes in subsequent eras.

Related terms

Plate Tectonics: The scientific theory explaining the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Volcanism: The eruption of molten rock (magma) from beneath the Earth's crust, which can significantly impact climate and atmospheric conditions.

Carbon Cycle: The series of processes by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants, and animals, playing a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate.