The end-Permian mass extinction, also known as the Great Dying, occurred about 252 million years ago and was the most severe extinction event in Earth's history. It wiped out around 90-96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species.
Most Impacted Animal: Trilobites
One of the most devastated groups during this extinction was the Trilobites They were a highly successful group of marine arthropods that had thrived for nearly 270 million years. While trilobites had already been declining by the late Permian, the end-Permian event completely wiped them out, making them one of the most notable casualties of the extinction.
Other Severely Impacted Groups
1. Marine Reptiles & Fish– Early marine reptiles like Mesosaurs and many species of primitive fish were heavily affected.
2. Coral Reefs – The entire group of Tabulate and Rugose corals became extinct.
3. Brachiopods & Echinoderms– Many species of brachiopods (marine shellfish) and echinoderms (like crinoids and sea urchins) were nearly wiped out.
4. Amphibians & Therapsids – Large amphibians and mammal-like reptiles (Therapsids) suffered major losses. Some survived, leading to the evolution of mammals later.
Main Causes of the Extinction
- Massive Volcanic Eruptions(Siberian Traps)
- Global Warming & Ocean Acidification
- Hypoxia (Oxygen Depletion in Oceans)
- Methane Release from Ocean Beds
The extinction event reset Earth's ecosystems, leading to the rise of new dominant species like dinosaurs in the following Triassic period.
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