EARTH BEFORE DINOSAURS

Millions of years ago, the Earth had a drastically different appearance. All the continents were fused, creating a single landmass teeming with a diverse array of life, both awe-inspiring and terrifying. When we envision prehistoric times, we often imagine a T-Rex wreaking havoc in the jungle with its razor-sharp teeth. However, even before the reign of the dinosaurs, other colossal creatures ruled over the Earth. Welcome to the Permian period, a remarkable era that commenced 300 million years ago.

During this period, our planet boasted a supercontinent called Pangea, encompassed by a vast ocean known as Pantherlassa. The Permian period began after an ice age when temperatures were considerably cooler than they are today. As the early Permian days unfolded, Earth transitioned into a lush environment, characterized by a rich variety of plants and a rapid evolution of insects and animals. However, as we are well aware, change is an inherent part of our blue planet. Over the next 50 million years, Earth gradually grew hotter and drier, ultimately leading to the most catastrophic event in the history of our planet, which resulted in the near extinction of countless species. This event is referred to as the Great Dying and stands as the most devastating mass extinction event ever witnessed by Earth, with a total of five such events occurring throughout its existence.

But before we delve into the realm of doom and gloom, allow me to take you on an extraordinary journey back in time. In the Permian period, some of the most extraordinary species that roamed our youthful planet were on the verge of emerging. If you were able to travel back nearly 300 million years, you would find yourself in the heart of the supercontinent Pangea. The smaller continents of Earth would have recently collided, giving rise to this colossal landmass that covered one-third of the planet's surface. The air would likely have contained less oxygen than it does today, but you would still be able to breathe. Oh, and don't forget to bring a jacket, as the temperatures would have been quite chilly, with certain regions averaging no more than a brisk four degrees Celsius. However, fear not, for things are about to heat up soon.

By the conclusion of the early Permian period, the Ice Age was gradually fading away, and Pangea was transforming into a flourishing world teeming with plant and animal life. This particular era was characterized by intense volcanic activity, which significantly impacted the climate and shaped the landscape, ultimately paving the way for evolutionary changes. As the vast swamp forests began to dry up, plant life had to adapt to survive. Consequently, approximately 290 million years ago, the Earth witnessed the emergence of the very first seed-bearing plants known as gymnosperms. These plants dispersed their seeds through cones and spread across the supercontinent.

Within the ancient evergreen forests of the early Permian, there existed a hidden familiarity. Similar to the present day, one could find cicadas, beetles, and even adorable cockroaches piercing and feeding on the plants. However, these prehistoric insects differed greatly from their modern counterparts, as they were colossal and comparable to birds. Despite their immense proportions, the prehistoric cockroaches did not dominate the land during that era, which is undoubtedly a relief. Instead, something far more captivating roamed Pangea – the now-extinct ancestor of primitive mammals, known as Dimetrodon.

This creature was both captivating and terrifying in equal measure. Encountering a Dimetrodon would undoubtedly be a remarkable spectacle. This ancient reptile could grow up to five meters in length and weigh a staggering 225 kilograms. Its most distinctive feature was a large sail-like structure that extended along its spine. Scientists believe that this sail aided the reptile in regulating its body temperature, absorbing warmth during the day, and releasing excess heat during the cooler nights. With a gait reminiscent of a crocodile, the Dimetrodon would approach with an air of menace. As an apex predator of its time, one would need to be cautious of its combination of sharp and flat teeth, capable of slicing and grinding its prey.

In the middle of the Permian period, the Earth experienced a takeover by other reptiles resembling mammals. The rap SIDS possessed powerful jaws with sharp teeth and a somewhat upright posture, thanks to their legs being positioned beneath their bodies. These swift reptiles ranged from the likely omnivorous deuterasaurus, which measured around five meters in length, to the much smaller canopy, which was five times smaller. If you had stayed around for another 20 million years, you would have encountered numerous other fascinating creatures.

During this time, the Earth continued to heat up. The average global temperature on the supercontinent Pangea rose to approximately 25 degrees Celsius, and volcanoes were emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As the climate changed, sea levels fluctuated, yet marine life managed to adapt and thrive. If you were to take a plunge into the prehistoric super ocean, you would find yourself swimming alongside ancient sharks and primitive bony fish. The environment constantly evolved, leading to the emergence and disappearance of many more complex marine species.

In the late Permian period, you could have encountered a friendly reptile known as listrosaurus. These creatures resembled a combination of a lizard and a pig. However, unlike the terrifying prehistoric monsters, listrosaurus was a herbivore. It measured only one meter in length and possessed powerful front legs for burrowing. Soon after, another adorable mammal-like lizard called cynodont appeared. Cynodonts resembled giant rodents, measuring approximately one meter in length, and had whiskers. They fed on small animals and insects.

During this period, a troubling event was unfolding in the atmosphere. Extensive volcanic activity was depleting the oxygen levels, resulting in as little as 10 percent oxygen compared to the 21 percent we have today. This event, known as the Great Dying, caused the near-extinction of life on Earth. However, let us not dwell on that. Instead, let us marvel at the incredible creatures that once inhabited our planet during the Permian period.