The shift from the Carboniferous to Permian period was marked by the end of a world-wide glaciation. This is partly due to the most important geologic event of the Permian, the formation of the super-continent Pangea. As continental plates collided into each other, Pangea moved slowly northward, away from the south pole and nearer the equator. The constant global warming found in the Permian period directly affected the melting of the glaciers.
The end of the Permian is marked by the greatest biotic extinction ever, the end-Permian Extinction. Marine communities (particularly sessile, filter-feeding fauna) were hit much harder than terrestrial organisms. Some speculations state that 95% of all marine species fauna went extinct during this time. There are many theories as to the cause of the end-Permian extinction. We will discuss these various theories later.
predominant vegetation types, etc.
The emphasis will be on what event led to the conclusion of the time period.
What position were the continents in during the geologic period? How did their positions influence climate?
List all groups of organisms, plants, animals, fungi, etc. that had significant radiations in numbers of species. Also, HOW did these radiations influence organisms around them?
What groups were influenced by extinctions during the geologic period? What hypotheses are there to explain these extinctions?
Where in the world are fossils of this time period collected? Who are the major authorities in primary literature on this geologic period?
A list of works cited.