A new study led by Stanford University revealed the cause of the largest mass extinction in Earth's history, known as 'The Great Dying,' which occurred 252 million years ago. This event resulted in the disappearance of 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial animals.
Erik Sperling, senior author of the study and professor at Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, stated that this research provides the definitive answer to what caused the Permian-Triassic extinction. The findings were published on July 6 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The extinction was initiated by an intense volcanic eruption, which released large volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane into the atmosphere. This led to global warming and a reduction in oxygen in the oceans. The study further details why some animals survived while others perished, and the key lies in metabolism.
Organisms that were predominant in the oceans before the event, such as brachiopods, sea lilies, and certain corals, possessed slow metabolisms and remained relatively stationary on the seabed. When the waters became warmer and had less oxygen, these creatures could not adapt because their slow metabolisms could not support the increasing oxygen demand driven by the rising temperature.
In contrast, mollusks, fish, and echinoderms—including octopuses, clams, sea urchins, and starfish—had faster metabolisms and more robust bodies, allowing them to extract oxygen even under unfavorable environmental conditions, ensuring their survival and dominance in current oceans.
The disparity between those who survived and those who were victims is illustrated by numerical comparison. Before the Great Dying, brachiopods were more numerous than oysters and clams. Currently, only about 400 species of brachiopods exist, compared to 10,000 to 15,000 species of bivalves.
Sperling commented that this difference explains why seafood broth is consumed and not brachiopod broth, given that brachiopods have little meat. Jose Andres Marquez, the lead author, explained that the study's objective was to clarify why clam and snail shells are found on the beach instead of brachiopods. The findings indicate that extinction rates were significantly higher among groups more susceptible to increases in water temperature and oxygen scarcity.
Researchers warn that the conditions preceding the extinction are quite analogous to the climate observed over the last tens of millions of years, which is being modified by emissions from burning fossil fuels and other human activities. During the Great Dying, temperatures rose by 8 to 12°C over millennia.
Although worst-case projections for the year 2100 predict a warming of 1.5 to 4°C, this increase will occur over a much shorter period, only 100 to 200 years, making the pace incomparably faster. Sperling emphasized that despite heading towards Permian-Triassic era warming levels in extreme scenarios, there is still a possibility of human intervention to reverse the situation.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has introduced a lion marking initiative aimed at mitigating the growing problem of human-wildlife conflict in KwaZulu-Natal province, particularly in communal areas.
As the number of lion sightings in KwaZulu-Natal's communal zones increases, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has developed a proposal to tag lions in state protected areas and private reserves. This measure is intended to respond to growing anxiety among residents, especially in the northern parts of the province where increased lion activity causes concern.
A recent incident in the Phongola area in June prompted concern among local authorities, who urged the public to remain vigilant. After several days of searching, the lion was killed, with no livestock damage reported. However, this is just one of a series of recent cases highlighting the complex issue of lions escaping from protected areas and encroaching on communal lands.
Ezemvelo faces difficulties in establishing the origin of escaped lions, especially when livestock owners demand compensation for losses related to lion attacks. Currently, processing such claims is complicated because lions in private reserves are usually untagged, which hinders the ability to determine where the animal originated.
In response to the situation, Ezemvelo has included the issue of lion marking on the agenda for the upcoming KwaZulu-Natal Predator Forum, scheduled for October. The main theme of the forum will be 'Marking Lions from State Protected Areas and Private Reserves to Avoid Res Nullius (Ownerless Property) and Mutual Accusations.'
Vuyi Radabe, Ezemvelo's General Manager for Biodiversity, Conservation, and Operations, emphasized the organization's commitment to working with private reserves and industry stakeholders to strengthen containment measures. She stated: 'We strive to reinforce existing strategies to prevent escapes, ranging from assessing fence integrity to early warning protocols.'
Radabe also assured that Ezemvelo remains committed to open communication with communities affected by human-wildlife conflict. She appealed to residents for cooperation during response operations for the safety of people and animals. According to her, 'Human-wildlife conflict is a complex issue, but through collaboration and proactive management, we can reduce risks while protecting both biodiversity and community safety.'
The organization strongly urges residents to immediately report any sightings of lions, tracks, or livestock killings to the nearest office, police station, or the Ezemvelo emergency hotline at 0800 212 126. Ezemvelo has stated that every credible report of an escaped lion will be promptly investigated, and response teams will be dispatched if necessary to ensure community safety.
At the young age of 12, Taaragai Aarathana has made a significant contribution to marine environment protection by removing over 7,000 kilograms of plastic and ghost nets from the ocean.
This young activist's work is not limited to cleanup campaigns. She uses unconventional methods to inspire people to conserve the oceans, including performing Bharatanatyam dance underwater and swimming from Sri Lanka to India under the slogan 'Save the Ocean.'
Video footage shows how this moving dive inspired the 12-year-old resident of Chennai to become one of the youngest ocean protectors in India. This story is featured in the #ForceForGoodHeroes series, dedicated to India's invaluable heroes who are showing the power of change.
The project team presented the description of the Casa Libertad / Clusellas Ades project. This project focuses on developing a suburban residential model that circumvents the usual restrictions found on plots located between adjacent buildings.
To achieve this goal, the project adopts a distinct approach: instead of being limited by neighboring constructions, it keeps them at a visible distance. These structures are then treated as green areas, integrating continuously with the vegetation present in the property's garden.
