In the enthralling documentary “Animal Armageddon: The Great Dying,” viewers are transported back in time to witness one of Earth’s most catastrophic events—the Permian-Triassic extinction, widely known as the Great Dying. This monumental extinction event, which occurred approximately 252 million years ago, marked a profound shift in the planet’s geological and biological landscape.
The statistics alone paint a grim picture of the Great Dying’s impact. Up to 96% of all marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species perished during this time, leading to the extinction of around 57% of all families and 83% of all genera. The scale of biodiversity loss was unprecedented, setting this event apart as the Earth’s most severe mass extinction.
The documentary delves into the aftermath of the Great Dying, exploring the challenges faced during the recovery period. Unlike other extinction events, the resurgence of life on Earth following the Great Dying took an astonishingly long time—possibly up to 10 million years. The film investigates the factors that contributed to this slow recovery and the intricate processes involved in rebuilding ecosystems.
Researchers have put forth several theories to explain the causes of the Great Dying, proposing both gradual environmental changes and catastrophic events as potential mechanisms. The documentary examines these hypotheses, highlighting the two distinct phases of extinction and the factors that may have contributed to each phase. These include gradual shifts in climate, sea-level changes, increased aridity, and alterations in ocean circulation. Additionally, the possibility of large impact events, intensified volcanism, coal and gas fires from the Siberian Traps, and the release of methane from the sea floor are explored as potential triggers for the latter phase of extinction.
“Animal Armageddon: The Great Dying” offers a captivating journey through Earth’s ancient history, shedding light on one of the most pivotal moments in the planet’s evolutionary timeline. Through stunning visuals, expert insights, and compelling scientific research, the documentary unveils the mysteries surrounding the Great Dying and invites viewers to contemplate the fragility and resilience of life on our planet.