New theory on mass extinction blames sudden drop in oxygen: The Oregonian

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SUMMARY

The recent discussion centers on a new theory regarding the mass extinction event 250 million years ago, attributing it to a significant drop in oxygen levels, often referred to as altitude sickness. This theory, while presented as new, has historical roots, as the concept of oxygen depletion causing extinction has been acknowledged for decades. Other contributing factors such as global firestorms from meteorite impacts and massive volcanic activity are also noted, complicating the cause-and-effect relationship. The discourse highlights the challenges in pinpointing a singular cause for such a complex event.

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Ivan Seeking
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Researchers taking the pulse of Earth's worst mass extinction 250 million years ago say they have diagnosed the ailment that doomed most animals: altitude sickness

http://www.oregonlive.com/enter/index.ssf?/science/oregonian/index.ssf%3f/base/science/1062590337326170.xml
 
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Couldn't follow the link, but this is no new theory. The idea that this extintcion was caused by a drop in O2 levels has been around since I was a child (just prior to the event itself!). However, nearly all the other theories for the cause of this event would include a loss of oxygen. Global firestorms would accompany meteorite impacts or massive volcanic activity. And any global disruption of animal life will result in a drop in oxygen, making cause and effect difficult to determine.
 
Ivan, how do you find the time to read all these things from everywhere AND make all these posts? It's fantabulous!
 

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