Lopingian

The Lopingian is a geological period that lasted from about 259 to 252 million years ago, marking the last part of the Permian Period. It was a time characterized by significant changes in Earth's climate and life, leading up to the largest mass extinction event in Earth's history. During this period, many marine and terrestrial species declined or disappeared, setting the stage for the dramatic shifts that followed in the subsequent Mesozoic Era. The Lopingian is important for understanding how Earth's ecosystems responded to environmental stress and changes before the extinction event.