Question

what caused the mass extinction event during the permian period? *
your answer

Explanation:

The Permian - Triassic mass extinction (the Great Dying) is thought to be caused by multiple factors. The main proposed causes include massive volcanic eruptions (the Siberian Traps), which released large amounts of greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) and other toxic substances, leading to global warming, ocean acidification, and changes in ocean oxygen levels. There were also likely changes in sea - level, climate fluctuations, and possibly impacts from asteroids or comets (though the volcanic hypothesis is more strongly supported). These factors together disrupted ecosystems, leading to the extinction of about 90 - 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.

Answer:

The mass extinction event during the Permian period (Permian - Triassic extinction, or the "Great Dying") was likely caused by a combination of factors, with the most significant being massive volcanic eruptions (the Siberian Traps). These eruptions released large amounts of greenhouse gases (e.g., $CO_2$), toxic chemicals, and ash, leading to global warming, ocean acidification, ocean anoxia, and drastic climate changes. Other contributing factors may include sea - level changes, climate fluctuations, and possibly asteroid/comet impacts (though the volcanic origin is more strongly supported). These changes disrupted global ecosystems, resulting in the extinction of ~90 - 96% of marine species and ~70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.