Permian Period
The Permian period was the last period of the Paleozoic era, spanning from approximately 299 million to 252 million years ago. It was a time of significant geological, climatic, and evolutionary changes.
Geological and Climatic Changes
During the Permian period, the supercontinent Pangaea was formed, bringing together almost all of Earth's landmasses. This had a profound impact on global climate and ocean circulation patterns.
The climate during the early Permian was relatively warm and arid, leading to the spread of extensive deserts. However, by the late Permian, the climate cooled, and glaciation occurred near the southern pole of Pangaea.
Life during the Permian
The Permian period saw the diversification of early reptiles and the emergence of new groups of organisms, including the first true mammals and the dominant group of land vertebrates, the therapsids.
However, the end of the Permian period was marked by the largest mass extinction event in Earth's history, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction event. It resulted in the loss of an estimated 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.
Study Guide
- Describe the formation of Pangaea and its impact on global climate.
- Explain the significance of the Permian-Triassic extinction event and its implications for the Earth's biodiversity.
- Compare and contrast the early and late Permian climates and their effects on the environment.
- Identify and describe the key evolutionary developments that occurred during the Permian period.
