Discover Magazine turned to a University of Cincinnati geologist to learn more about what caused a mass extinction about 360 million years ago.
The Devonian extinction wiped out as many as 80% of animal species. Wildlife of the Devonian ranged from trilobites to prehistoric precursors of amphibians. The Devonian is known as the Age of Fishes for the great diversity of marine life it spawned.
UC College of Arts and Sciences geology professor Thomas Algeo said the Devonian saw the vast proliferation of vascular plants as well that turned the Earth green with new life: mosses, ferns and trees. Meanwhile, marine life also flourished.
Scientists believe volcanic eruptions played a role in the Devonian mass extinction more than 360 million years ago. Illustration/Margaret Weiner/UC Marketing + Brand
