end-Triassic extinction

The end-Triassic extinction was a major event around 201 million years ago that wiped out about 75% of Earth's species, including many plants and animals. It was likely caused by massive volcanic eruptions in what is now the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, which released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases. These gases led to climate change, ocean acidification, and reduced oxygen levels in the water, making survival difficult for many species. This extinction marked the transition from the Triassic to the Jurassic period, paving the way for the rise of dinosaurs and new ecosystems.