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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.
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