TriasJuraÜbergang

The TriasJuraÜbergang, also known as the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, marks a significant period in Earth's history, signifying the transition between the Triassic and Jurassic geological periods. This boundary is characterized by a dramatic extinction event that reshaped the biosphere. The extinction occurred approximately 201.3 million years ago and is considered one of the "Big Five" mass extinction events.

The causes of the TriasJuraÜbergang extinction are believed to be multifaceted, with the massive volcanic activity associated with the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) being a primary suspect. This extensive volcanism released vast amounts of greenhouse gases, leading to rapid climate change, ocean acidification, and widespread anoxia in the oceans. These environmental stressors severely impacted marine and terrestrial life.

Many dominant groups of organisms that thrived in the Triassic, such as conodonts, many marine reptile groups, and a significant portion of ammonoids, suffered heavy losses or were completely wiped out. Conversely, some groups, like dinosaurs and pterosaurs, which had already emerged in the Triassic, experienced a significant evolutionary radiation following the extinction, becoming the dominant terrestrial vertebrates of the Jurassic period. The TriasJuraÜbergang provides a crucial window into the resilience and adaptive capacity of life on Earth in the face of catastrophic environmental upheaval.