sukupuuttotapahtumat

Sukupuuttotapahtumat, also known as mass extinctions, are significant and widespread decreases in the biodiversity of Earth. These events are characterized by a large number of species disappearing over a relatively short geological timescale. Scientists identify these events through fossil records, observing abrupt declines in the variety of life forms.

Several factors can trigger mass extinctions. These include catastrophic events like asteroid impacts, massive volcanic activity leading to climate change, and drastic shifts in ocean chemistry or sea levels. Other causes can involve rapid climate change, either warming or cooling, and the spread of diseases.

Earth's history has been marked by several major mass extinction events. The most famous include the Permian-Triassic extinction, often called the "Great Dying," which wiped out over 90% of marine species and a large proportion of terrestrial species, and the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction, which famously led to the demise of the non-avian dinosaurs. Understanding these past events helps scientists assess current biodiversity loss and the potential for future extinctions. Research into sukupuuttotapahtumat continues to provide insights into the resilience and vulnerability of life on our planet.