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252 Million Years Ago
Worst Extinction Ever
The largest extinction in Earth's history happened 252 million years ago.
Massive volcanic eruptions recurring over a million years released carbon dioxide and toxic gases into the atmosphere. Temperatures spiked, oxygen levels plummeted, and the ocean became more acidic.
These changes kicked off a cascade of extinctions by damaging ecosystems on land and in the sea.
Scientists estimate that up to 90% of marine species vanished over the course of about 60,000 years. On land, many species also disappeared. |