A team of scientists has discovered a region in China’s mountainous Turpan-Hami Basin that may have served as an oasis for terrestrial plants during the planet’s largest mass extinction, known as the Great Dying. The study published in Science Advances suggests that this area, which received consistent rainfall and had a stable climate, was able to withstand the devastating effects of acid rain, wildfires, and toxic gases caused by massive volcanic eruptions.
The researchers analyzed fossil evidence from the South Taodonggou section of the basin and found that riparian fern fields and coniferous forests continued to thrive from 160,000 years before the extinction event began until 160,000 years after it ended. This suggests that the local ecosystem was able to recover more quickly than in other regions.
The team estimates that only 21% of spore and pollen species went extinct in this region, compared to 80% globally. The area’s stable climate and abundant vegetation provided a vital support system for migrating animals and helped protect biodiversity.
According to the study authors, this discovery highlights the importance of identifying and protecting areas like this that could provide protection against global environmental change and future mass extinctions.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/science/great-dying-plants-china