DEVONIAN EXTINCTION MYSTERY

The Devonian Period was a time in the history of the Earth (419 Million years ago) when the oceans were full of life. It is also known as “The Age of the Fishes.” There were big coral reefs, trilobites, shells, ammonites and huge armored fish like the Dunkleosteus the size of double-decker buses. The oceans were brimming with life.

The first forests were also growing on the land. There were huge tree like structures called Archaeopteris that could grow up to 100 feet, and also many mosses, ferns and other spore-producing plants.

But sometime around 365 Million years ago, many species of animals and plants were wiped out in a mass extinction event. Around 70% of all species, including many marine animals like the armored fish, tabulate reef-building coral and land plants like giant horsetails vanished during this time. 

Scientists are still trying to figure out what caused this mass extinction and uncover this mystery of epic proportions.