Lessons from the past

We have seen how the End Permian extinction event was a significant influence on the development of life, and in determining which species survived and diversified. Although life was almost wiped out, some species survived. Even more so than with the other events, the dominant taxa receded to the background making way for new better adapted forms to evolve in the changed environments.

Next week, I will tackle the two most ‘recent’ extinction events – the End Triassic (208 mya) and the End Cretaceous (65 mya). The Cretaceous period is probably the one we are most familiar with since it is often linked to the domination and fall of dinosaurs. During the week, I will talk to several scientists, including a young paleontologist from my own lab who will chat with us about how new research is improving our understanding of dinosaur evolution.