Paleozoic Era

Permian Period

299–252 Million Years Ago

The Permian Period saw all major landmasses converge into the supercontinent Pangaea. Reptiles diversified dramatically, including the synapsids — the lineage that would eventually give rise to mammals. The period ended with the Permian–Triassic extinction event, the most severe biological crisis in Earth's history, which wiped out approximately 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.

Environment

Climate & Environment

Increasingly arid as Pangaea's interior became a vast desert. Southern glaciation continued early but retreated. Extreme volcanic activity (Siberian Traps) contributed to the end-Permian catastrophe.

Fauna & Flora