Permians

The Permian is the last period of the Paleozoic Era, spanning from approximately 298.9 to 252.2 million years ago. It follows the Carboniferous Period and precedes the Triassic Period, marking a significant transition in Earth's geological history. The name derives from the Perm Region in Russia, where the period's rock formations were first studied.

The Permian Period is notable for its diverse and widespread marine life, including trilobites, brachiopods, ammonoids, and early fish species. On land, reptiles began to dominate, with the first true mammals emerging as small, shrew-like creatures. The period also saw the development of extensive coal forests, particularly in the southern continents, contributing to the formation of vast coal deposits.

One of the most defining events of the Permian is the Permian-Triassic extinction event, also known as the Great Dying, which occurred at its end. This catastrophic mass extinction wiped out an estimated 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species, marking the largest extinction event in Earth's history. The cause remains debated but is thought to involve volcanic activity, climate change, and ocean anoxia.

The Permian Period is divided into three epochs: the Cisuralian (early Permian), the Guadalupian (middle Permian), and the Lopingian (late Permian). These subdivisions are based on distinct geological and paleontological changes observed in rock layers worldwide. The period's climate was generally warm, with significant variations in sea levels and the formation of supercontinents like Pangaea.

Studying the Permian Period provides critical insights into Earth's environmental changes, biodiversity, and the mechanisms driving mass extinctions. Its geological records remain a focal point for paleontologists, geologists, and climate scientists.