Research on fossilized pollen and spores indicates that while some plant species perished during the End-Permian Mass Extinction, around 21 percent succumbed to extinction. Fossils suggest a once lush and humid environment, capable of supporting diverse life forms, with evidence of surviving plants indicating adaptability to drought. The temporary drought conditions did not completely devastate all life, as indicated by younger rock layers revealing a resurgence of plant life post-extinction, particularly among conifers and pteridosperms. This illustrates the resilience of certain species during significant environmental changes.
The fossils also revealed the presence of plant species known to grow near lakes, which meant an environment that most likely provided drinking water for land-dwelling animals.
The drought turned out to be only temporary. Younger rock layers were found to contain a greater abundance of pollen and spores from species that grew during the extinction event.
#end-permian-mass-extinction #plant-survival #pollen-fossils #climate-change #biodiversity-resilience
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