Volcanoes sparked Earth's Great Dying, but an unexpected plant made it far worse

Scientists have determined that the Permian "Great Dying" — Earth's most devastating mass extinction — was triggered by volcanic eruptions releasing vast amounts of greenhouse gases. However, researchers found that an unexpected plant species worsened the catastrophe significantly. The study highlights how combinations of natural factors can drive far more destructive outcomes than any single cause alone.

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🔬 Science Scientists solve mystery of Earth's 'Great Dying' — and it's a warning for today Gizmodo · 10d ago 🔬 Science Scientists solve mystery of Earth's greatest mass extinction 252 million years ago Science Daily · 12d ago 🔬 Science Baby T. rexes were killers from birth, new fossils suggest Nature · 13h ago