Before the arrival of man on earth, more than 99.9% of all animal species that have ever lived on the planet were extinct. This staggering statistic highlights the vast diversity and turnover of life throughout the history of our planet.

One of the most significant events in earth's history was the mass extinction that occurred at the end of the Permian period, approximately 252 million years ago. This event, known as the Great Dying, wiped out over 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species. It is considered the most severe extinction event in the history of our planet.

Another major extinction event occurred at the end of the Cretaceous period, around 66 million years ago. This event, most likely triggered by a massive asteroid impact, led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species. It paved the way for the rise of mammals, eventually leading to the emergence of humans.

Throughout earth's history, there have been several other mass extinction events, each shaping the course of evolution and leading to the rise and fall of various animal species. Despite these extinctions, life has always found a way to adapt and evolve, resulting in the incredible diversity of species we see today.

If you're interested in learning more about the history of life on earth and the various extinction events that have shaped our planet, you can visit National Geographic's article on the Big Five Extinction Events. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the major extinction events in earth's history and their impact on the evolution of life.

Overall, the vast majority of animal species that have ever lived on earth are now extinct. These extinct species have left behind a rich fossil record that scientists use to piece together the history of life on our planet. By studying these extinct species, we can gain valuable insights into the processes of evolution and the factors that have shaped the diversity of life on earth.

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