Biarmia

Biarmia, also known as Permia or the Permian period, is a geologic period and system spanning from about 298.9 to 252.2 million years ago. It is the third and final period of the Paleozoic Era, following the Carboniferous Period and preceding the Triassic Period. The Permian period is characterized by the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea and a significant shift in terrestrial flora and fauna.

During the Early Permian, much of the Earth's landmass was consolidated into Pangaea, leading to vast arid interiors with extensive deserts. This impacted plant life, favoring drought-resistant species. The fauna also adapted to these conditions, with reptiles becoming increasingly dominant over amphibians. Synapsids, often referred to as mammal-like reptiles, diversified significantly.

The Late Permian witnessed a major extinction event, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction event or the Great Dying. This was the most severe extinction event in Earth's history, wiping out an estimated 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species. The causes are still debated but likely involved massive volcanic activity, possibly linked to the Siberian Traps eruptions, leading to drastic climate change, ocean acidification, and anoxia. The end of the Permian marks a dramatic transition in the history of life on Earth, paving the way for the rise of new groups in the Mesozoic Era.