2023-09-26 11:00:04
The future looks bleak for mammals. According to a new study, the appearance of Earth’s next supercontinent, called Pangaea Ultima, could lead to their extinction. This geological upheaval, combined with extreme climate changes, would considerably reduce habitats suitable for the survival of mammals.
The volcanic formation of Earth’s next supercontinent could lead to the extinction of mammals.
Image credit: Mike Lyvers/Getty Images
Next Pangea would be the result of the collision of the Earth’s current tectonic plates. These geological movements, governed by magmatic convection currents, have already led to the formation and separation (Generally speaking, the word separation designates an action consisting of separating some…) supercontinents over the past 2 billion years.
The researchers, led by climatologist Alexander Farnsworth of the University of Bristol, used a climate model to simulate conditions on Earth 250 million years from now. The model integrates various factors: increased intensity of solar radiation (in addition to cosmic rays (particles with extremely high speed and energy…), increased levels of carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide , commonly called carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide, is a…) and changes in surface temperature (A surface generally refers to the layer surface of an object. The term a…).
This new continent would be particularly hot. Not only would it miss the cooling effect of the oceans, but it would also experience an increase in solar radiation and CO2 levels due to volcanic activity.
Even if mammals have thermal regulation mechanisms, such as sweat glands, these devices prove ineffective at higher temperatures. at 40 degrees Celsius in dry conditions or 35 degrees in wet conditions. The simulation reveals that only 8% of the land in the future Pangea Ultima would be habitable for mammals.
In addition to thermal challenges, massive eruptions would contribute to rising temperatures. These geological phenomena, called “large igneous provinces”, would be generated by plate tectonics and would leave mammals little time to adapt.
Although some highly specialized mammals, such as those living in the Sahara, may survive, their ability to dominate in this new environment remains uncertain. Other life forms, such as reptiles, may be better adapted to these new conditions.
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