Citation
High-Precision Timeline for Earth's Most Severe Extinction
TL;DR
End-Permian main extinction pulse occurred in <60,000 years
High-resolution dating showing the main End-Permian extinction pulse occurred in less than 60,000 years - remarkably rapid by geological standards. Links timing precisely to Siberian Traps volcanism.
The speed of the End-Permian extinction (60,000 years for 96% species loss) demonstrates that extinction can occur on timescales too fast for evolutionary adaptation. For organizations, this parallels technology disruptions or regulatory shifts that occur faster than organizational adaptation timescales.
Key Findings from Burgess et al. (2014)
- End-Permian main extinction pulse occurred in <60,000 years
- Precisely linked to onset of Siberian Traps volcanism
- Extinction was remarkably rapid by geological standards
- Organisms could not adapt fast enough to survive