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

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Researchers have identified altitude sickness as a key factor contributing to Earth's most severe mass extinction event 250 million years ago. This theory aligns with longstanding hypotheses suggesting that oxygen level drops played a significant role in the extinction. Various scenarios, including global firestorms from meteorite impacts and extensive volcanic activity, are believed to have caused widespread disruptions in animal life, further complicating the relationship between oxygen depletion and extinction. The discussion highlights the complexity of determining causation in such catastrophic events, as many theories inherently involve a loss of oxygen.
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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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