5.5 million-year-old ecological crisis led to 89% decline in Mediterranean Sea marine biodiversity; recovery took 1.7 million years.

A study led by Konstantina Agiadi from the University of Vienna reveals that marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea experienced a significant decline due to a 5.5 million-year-old ecological crisis, with only 11% of species surviving. The increase in salinity levels caused by the Messinian Salinity Crisis led to the near-extinction of native species and drastically altered marine ecosystems. It took over 1.7 million years for biodiversity to recover, providing valuable insights into biotic recovery after ecological crises and the formation of regional seas due to lithospheric movements throughout Earth's history.

August 29, 2024
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