The sixth mass extinction event poses a significant threat to human survival, prompting researchers to study past comparable crises for insights into land refugia. A new discovery in the South Taodonggou section of Xinjiang, China, sheds light on this topic. Paleontologists investigated plant and tetrapod fossils, revealing vibrant regional gymnospermous forests and fern fields that survived the devastating end-Permian mass extinction.
The event, which occurred 252 million years ago, wiped out approximately 80% of known species, with marine organisms being particularly hard hit. Scientists previously believed that local climate and geographic factors played a crucial role in this extinction, but new evidence suggests that these “Life Oasis” regions can harbor surprising pockets of resilience.
Researchers found that the South Taodonggou section received about 1,000 mm of rainfall per year during the critical period, providing a stable environment for vegetation to thrive. This allowed local life to recover rapidly, with diverse tetrapods returning within just 75,000 years after the extinction ended. The study’s findings contrast with previous assumptions that ecosystem recovery took over a million years.
The discovery highlights the importance of identifying and protecting natural refugia amidst global environmental change. By studying such regions, scientists can gain insights into how human activity may impact future extinctions. As concerns about the potential sixth mass extinction grow, this “Life Oasis” serves as a beacon of hope for conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to preserve vulnerable ecosystems.
This research was published in Science Advances and provides valuable lessons for understanding the resilience of life on Earth during times of catastrophic change.
Source: https://www.sci.news/paleontology/south-taodonggou-ecosystem-13745.html