Ep 5. The Great Dying

Animal Armageddon was a documentary series that explored the various mass extinctions that occurred throughout Earth's history. Each episode delved into a different event, examining the causes and consequences of these catastrophic events that wiped out countless species of animals.

In season 1 episode 5, titled "The Great Dying," the focus was on the largest mass extinction in Earth's history, which occurred over 250 million years ago at the end of the Permian period. It is estimated that over 90% of all species perished during this event, including the majority of marine life and many land animals.

The episode began by exploring the conditions that led up to the Great Dying, including the massive volcanic eruptions that occurred in what is now Siberia. These eruptions released massive amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing global warming and ocean acidification. The warm, acidic oceans were inhospitable to many marine species, leading to widespread extinction.

The terrestrial animals that survived the extinction event were those that could adapt to the changing climate and rapidly evolving ecosystems. The episode explored the adaptations that allowed some species to survive, including the development of new forms of locomotion, such as gliding and burrowing, and changes in feeding habits.

The show featured interviews with scientists and experts in the field, who shared their insights into what caused the Great Dying and its far-reaching effects. Viewers also got a glimpse of the fossils and other evidence that have been uncovered over the years, shedding light on the extinction event and the species that were lost.

The episode also discussed the unique challenges that life faced in the aftermath of the Great Dying, as the planet's ecosystems struggled to recover. It took millions of years for biodiversity to return to pre-extinction levels, and even then, new species emerged to fill the niches left open by the vanished animals.

Animal Armageddon season 1 episode 5 provided a fascinating look at one of the most significant events in Earth's history and the impact it had on the planet's biodiversity. It was a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem.