19.1 The Fossil Record
19.2 Patterns and Processes of Evolution
19.3 Earths Early History
MURDER IN THE PERMIAN
Just over 250 million years ago, during the Permian Period, life on Earth came as close as it has ever come to being wiped out. The Permian extinction may be the greatest murder mystery in the history of the world. Whatever happened back then killed off over 55 percent of all families on Earth, including about 96 percent of marine species and 70 percent of terrestrial vertebrate species. Ancient ecosystems were so completely disrupted that it took millions of years for them to be restored.
Researchers once thought that this “great dying” took place over a long time. But new fossil data suggest that it took no more than 200,000 years and possibly less. In geological terms, that's a short time. As you read this chapter, look for clues as to what could have killed so many different forms of life. Then, solve the mystery.
Never Stop Exploring Your World.
Finding the solution to this mystery is only the beginning. Take a video field trip with the ecogeeks of Untamed Science to see where the mystery leads.