The Unlikely Culprit in Earth's Most Devastating Extinction Event The end Triassic mass extinction, which wiped out approximately 80% of species on our planet some 200 million years ago, has long been attributed to extreme volcanic activity.
However, a new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that the simple fern may have played an unexpected role in exacerbating this catastrophic event.
Volcanoes undoubtedly triggered the initial devastation, but researchers point out that when ferns dry out, they form thick mats that can act as fuel for massive wildfires.