Study Links Metabolic Adaptability to Survival in Earth's Greatest Mass Extinction

A new Stanford-led study provides the strongest evidence yet for why some marine animals survived the Permian-Triassic extinction event, known as the 'Great Dying.' Researchers found that species with body plans and metabolisms better suited to warming oceans and decreasing oxygen levels were more likely to persist. This discovery not only explains the origins of modern ocean ecosystems but also offers valuable insights into how current marine life might respond to ongoing climate change.