Tömegétl

Tömegétl, also known as mass extinction, refers to a significant and relatively rapid decrease in the biodiversity of Earth's biota. These events are characterized by the extinction of a large percentage of species in a relatively short period, typically within a geologically short time frame. Mass extinctions have occurred several times throughout Earth's history, with the most well-known being the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which occurred approximately 252 million years ago and resulted in the loss of about 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.

The causes of mass extinctions are often attributed to a combination of factors, including asteroid impacts, volcanic activity, climate change, and changes in ocean chemistry. For example, the Chicxulub impactor, which struck Earth around 66 million years ago, is believed to have contributed to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that marked the end of the non-avian dinosaurs.

Mass extinctions have significant implications for the biosphere, as they can lead to a loss of biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems. They also provide valuable insights into the resilience of life on Earth and the factors that influence its evolution. The study of mass extinctions is an active area of research in the fields of paleontology, geology, and evolutionary biology.