A study reveals the cause of the first mass extinction on Earth

a total oxygen depletion It caused the first mass extinction on the planet About 550 million years ago, the killing of 80% of animals occurred existing at that time, according to New study Prepared by geoscientists at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, also known as Virginia Tech.

In Earth’s history, five major mass extinctions have occurred that characterize different geological periods: Orovichi (443 million years ago), it was Late Devonian (372 million years ago), it was Permian (252 million years ago), it was Triassic (201 million years ago) and chalky (66 million years ago), according to National Geographic. The results of the new study confirm that there was an event in the period dentist (between 635 million and 542 million years ago) that It came before anything elsewhich represented a phase change and caused most animals to die from lack of oxygen.

The research, led by Virginia Tech paleontologist Scott Evans, gathered a wealth of data on fossils Strangers from Ediatric and found Very abrupt changes in biodiversitywhich they explain as a possible episode of Mass extinctions not yet recorded. “Our study shows that, as with all other mass extinctions in Earth’s past, this new and first mass extinction of animals was caused by Climate changeEvans points out.

The cause of low oxygen levels is not yet known. It can be any number and combination of Volcanic eruptions, tectonic plate movement, asteroid impactetc., but what we’re seeing is that the animals that are going extinct seem to be responding to a decrease in global oxygen availability,” Evans explains.

Climate change consultant

Researchers say that most of the mass extinctions were caused by weather changes current style. The study tells us about the long-term effect of current environmental changes in the biosphere,” Virginia Tech’s statement states. In fact, other Virginia Tech research has shown that global warming is developing hypoxia In the fresh waters of the world, no oxygen availability is lost Decreased ability of fresh water to hold oxygen.

Another element confirms the theory: Most of the creatures that survived the first mass extinction were large objects Similar to ferns, which could indicate that they were adapting to a lower level of oxygen.