Earth's Major Extinction Events: A Timeline of Devastation

What are Extinction Events?

Extinction events are periods in Earth's history when a significant proportion of species become extinct within a relatively short geological timeframe. These events can be triggered by various natural phenomena, such as asteroid impacts, volcanic eruptions, and climate change.

Major Extinction Events in Order

The following is a timeline of the major extinction events that have occurred on Earth:

Ordovician-Silurian Extinction Event (444 million years ago)

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Triggered by a combination of rapid climate change and ocean acidification.

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Up to 85% of marine species became extinct.

Late Devonian Extinction Event (375 million years ago)

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Likely caused by volcanic eruptions and subsequent climate change.

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Killed off around 75% of species, including many fish and early amphibians.

Permian-Triassic Extinction Event (252 million years ago)

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The most severe extinction event in Earth's history, with up to 96% of species becoming extinct.

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Triggered by massive volcanic eruptions that released toxic gases into the atmosphere.

Triassic-Jurassic Extinction Event (201 million years ago)

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Possibly caused by an asteroid impact or volcanic eruptions.

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Led to the extinction of approximately 75% of species, including many large reptiles.

Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction Event (66 million years ago)

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Caused by the impact of an asteroid or comet.

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Resulted in the extinction of the dinosaurs and about 76% of all plant and animal species.