Ancient 'Life Oasis' Discovered in China From Earth's Largest Mass Extinction

A region in the Turpan-Hami Basin provided refuge for plants and animals during the end-Permian extinction, enabling rapid recovery of ecosystems.

The Turpan-Hami Basin in China's Xinjiang region served as a refugium for terrestrial plants during the end-Permian extinction 252 million years ago.
Fossil evidence shows that riparian fern fields and coniferous forests in the area thrived before, during, and after the extinction event, with only a 21% extinction rate for spore and pollen species.
The stable, semi-humid climate with consistent rainfall of about 100 millimeters annually supported vegetation and migrating animals, fostering rapid ecosystem recovery.
Tetrapod fossils, including herbivorous Lystrosaurus and carnivorous chroniosuchians, indicate the region's food web recovered over 10 times faster than in other areas.
Scientists highlight the discovery's relevance for modern conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of identifying and protecting natural refugia in the face of global environmental change.