Introduction to Paleontology Season 1 Episode 13 Devonian Death and the Spread of Forests

In this episode of Introduction to Paleontology, we delve into the fascinating world of the Devonian period, a time of great change and diversity in the natural world. The focus is on the widespread death of marine life and the emergence of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly forests.

The Devonian period is often referred to as the "Age of Fishes" due to the abundance and diversity of fish species that dominated the oceans during this time. However, around 375 million years ago, a series of catastrophic events caused a massive die-off of marine life, wiping out over 70% of all species.

So what caused this mass extinction? Paleontologists have long debated the causes, with potential culprits including climate change, volcanic activity, and changes in ocean chemistry. Recent evidence suggests that a combination of these factors may have played a role in the demise of marine life during the Devonian.

Despite the widespread death in the oceans, the Devonian was also a time of great creativity and innovation on land. Plants had already evolved by this time, but they were mostly simple, non-vascular varieties such as mosses and liverworts. However, during the Devonian, a new group of plants emerged - the vascular plants. These plants had specialized tissues for conducting water and nutrients, allowing them to grow taller and faster than their non-vascular cousins.

The spread of these early forests had a significant impact on the planet. The trees were able to absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere, helping to cool the planet and ultimately leading to a global cooling event. Additionally, the trees facilitated the formation of soil, providing a new habitat for insects and other small animals.

This episode explores the origins and spread of these early forests, as well as the diverse array of plants and animals that coexisted in these ecosystems. We examine the ways in which these forests shaped the landscape, influenced climate, and provided new opportunities for life to evolve and thrive.

Ultimately, the Devonian period is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth. Despite catastrophic extinction events and dramatic changes in the environment, life continued to evolve, diversify, and thrive. Join us as we explore the amazing world of Devonian paleontology and discover the fascinating story of how life on land began.