Earth during the Phanerozoic | Permian Period (298.9 – 251.9 million years ago)

The video begins by describing the convergence of the supercontinent Pangea into a single landmass, which formed massive mountain ranges and vast desert regions in the interior. Global weather patterns shifted dramatically, creating extreme seasonal monsoons. Ecosystems transformed from humid coal swamps into drier environments where seed-bearing plants like conifers and ginkgos became dominant.

The evolution of land vertebrates reached significant milestones during this era. Synapsids, the ancestors of mammals, became the dominant land animals. Ancient reptiles such as the iconic sail-backed predator Dimetrodon and the herbivore Edaphosaurus appeared, adapting to this new world.

The video concludes with a catastrophic event: massive volcanic activity in the Siberian Traps. This led to the release of enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and methane, causing global temperatures to spike. The aftermath included acid rain, the destruction of the ozone layer, and the largest mass extinction in Earth's history, known as "The Great Dying".

This event wiped out 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrates. However, from the ruins of this destruction, resilient survivors emerged, paving the way for the Triassic Period and the eventual reign of the dinosaurs.
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