Even the worst mass extinction had its oases

Amid the chaos of the End-Permian Mass Extinction, only about 21 percent of plant species fell victim to extinction, showing resilience in the face of adversity. The fossils unearthed by researchers revealed a lush environment that experienced temporary dry periods during the extinction event but remained largely intact. The surviving plants, mainly conifers and pteridosperms, demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt to drought. The discovery of various plant species near lakes indicated an environment rich in drinking water for land-dwelling animals. The site in Xinjiang served as a refuge for a diverse range of animals, from herbivorous Lystrosaurus to carnivorous chroniosuchians, allowing life to thrive once again just 75,000 years after the extinction event. Life truly finds a way.

https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/03/even-the-worst-mass-extinction-had-its-oases/

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