The figure below shows the number of living taxonomic families that existed on Earth during the last 540 million years. The sudden decreases in family numbers at 445, 360, 250, 200, and 65 million years ago represent Earth's five mass extinction events. Based on this data, which mass extinction had the biggest impact on the overall diversity of life on Earth?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mass extinction event that occurred 250 million years ago, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction, had the biggest impact on the overall diversity of life on Earth, as it resulted in the loss of approximately 96% of all marine species and 70% of terrestrial species.

The Figure Below Shows the Number of Living Taxonomic Families