The massive extinction event that nearly erased our primate ancestors
In short: While the end of the dinosaurs is famous, a lesser-known catastrophe in Europe almost wiped out the lineage leading to humans. This video explores how a vanished mammalian population paved the way for modern life.
In the early 20th century, researchers identified a distinct gap in the fossil record where most European mammals suddenly disappeared. These species were eventually replaced by those native to Asia.
This event is described as the largest extinction since the end of the dinosaurs. It was significant enough to nearly eliminate our primate ancestors, meaning human existence might never have occurred without this specific biological turnover.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Biggest Extinction You’ve Never Heard Of
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