Permian Period

By: Destiny, Shayla, Amanda

Lasted from 290 million years to 245 million years ago

climate During the Permian

period the climate varied because Pangaea existed. Intense heat occurred in the northern region. There were great seasonal fluctuations between wet and dry conditions. In the western area the climate changed from tropical weather to desert-like climate. The southern region was cold and arid. Much of the tract was frozen under ice caps.

Animals Before the extinction of different animals, many divergent species started to appear. Various organisms such as trilobites, pelycosaurs, and wodnikas lived during the Permian period. Trilobites were hard-shelled marine invertebrates that lived in the sea. Pelycosaurs were dominant land reptile animals during

the Permian that had long bony spines along their back (tall spinal sail). Wodnikas were a genus of shark that roamed the waters which had also lived during the period. Their fossils are found in the present area, Germany and

Russia.

plantsDuring the Permian period, many unique plants existed.

Seed ferns were a dominant plant species. They were very large woody plants that reproduced by spores. The Gingko

tree was also a plant that was present throughout the Permian. Scientists state that the gingko was a living fossil from the period. It has a leaf-like structure and lofty. Algae however was very common among the great vibrant reefs

that grew up around coral and sponges.

Major events

• During the Permian period, a striking occurrence happened. Earth’s largest mass extinction took place. This extinction wiped out 90% of marine species and 70% of land species. Scientist and geologists have not found the reason what had caused this tragic event but have made some theories based on the remains and fossils from the time period.

Extinction

• Based on fossils and remains from the Permian, scientists uncovered the appearance of new species. Beetles, flies, and amphibians were new to the environment. Seed ferns increased in number, but unfortunately the extinction took place wiping out most unique species and nature.

Appearance of new species

Interesting facts

The planet’s largest mass extinction occurred during

this time period

The last period of the Paleozoic Era

Many new unique species appeared during this period

References www.Google.com

www.NationalGeographic.com

www.DiscoveryEducation.com