Frasnian-Famennian Extinction

Definition

The Frasnian-Famennian extinction was a significant event that occurred at the end of the Devonian period, around 372 million years ago, leading to a major loss of biodiversity on Earth. This extinction is particularly notable for the dramatic reduction in marine life, including various fish and coral species, marking one of the five largest mass extinction events in Earth's history. It resulted in substantial ecological shifts and paved the way for the evolution of new species in the following periods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Frasnian-Famennian extinction resulted in the loss of about 70-75% of marine species, highlighting its severity among mass extinctions.
2. This extinction was likely caused by multiple factors, including climate change, changes in sea levels, and possibly asteroid impacts.
3. Coral reefs experienced a significant decline during this time, which affected many marine organisms that relied on these ecosystems.
4. The event opened up ecological niches that allowed for the rise of new species and groups in subsequent periods, including early terrestrial vertebrates.
5. The Frasnian-Famennian extinction is often linked to a series of environmental changes that marked the transition from the Devonian to the Carboniferous period.

Review Questions

• What were some of the primary causes and impacts of the Frasnian-Famennian extinction on marine biodiversity?
  • The Frasnian-Famennian extinction was driven by several factors including climate change, fluctuating sea levels, and possibly asteroid impacts. These changes led to a dramatic loss of biodiversity, wiping out around 70-75% of marine species. The extinction significantly impacted marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs, which struggled to recover and caused ripple effects throughout the food web.
• Discuss how the Frasnian-Famennian extinction influenced the evolutionary trajectory of species in the following geological periods.
  • Following the Frasnian-Famennian extinction, many ecological niches were left vacant due to the mass die-off of species. This set the stage for new evolutionary developments in both marine and terrestrial environments. The emergence of new species included early amphibians adapting to land and a diversification of fish types in ocean ecosystems, ultimately reshaping biodiversity during the Carboniferous period.
• Evaluate the significance of studying mass extinctions like the Frasnian-Famennian event in understanding current biodiversity crises.
  • Studying mass extinctions such as the Frasnian-Famennian event provides critical insights into how ecosystems respond to dramatic environmental changes. It helps scientists understand patterns of resilience and recovery after large-scale biodiversity loss. By analyzing these historical events, researchers can better comprehend current biodiversity crises driven by human activities and climate change, potentially informing conservation strategies for protecting endangered species today.

Related terms

Devonian Period: A geological period spanning from approximately 419 to 359 million years ago, known as the 'Age of Fishes' due to the dominance of fish in marine ecosystems.

Mass Extinction: A widespread and rapid decrease in biodiversity on Earth, characterized by the extinction of a large number of species in a relatively short geological timeframe.

Eurypterids: An extinct group of marine arthropods, also known as sea scorpions, that thrived during the Paleozoic era and were affected by the extinction event.