What percentage of marine species went extinct during the Permian-Triassic extinction?

The Permian-Triassic extinction, also known as the Great Dying, occurred approximately 252 million years ago and is recognized as the most significant extinction event in Earth's history. During this period, it is estimated that around 96% of all marine species went extinct. This catastrophic loss of biodiversity was primarily due to a combination of catastrophic environmental changes, including volcanic activity, climate shifts, and ocean acidification, which severely impacted marine ecosystems.

The 96% figure indicates the vast scale of the devastation which affected various levels of marine life, from small organisms to large species, ultimately leading to the restructuring of marine ecosystems and paving the way for the subsequent Mesozoic era. Understanding the extent of the Permian-Triassic extinction provides insight into the vulnerabilities of ecosystems and the potential consequences of environmental changes, which is a critical aspect of Earth science and biology.