Terrestrial ecosystems on North Gondwana following the end-Permian mass extinction

摘要: The impact of the end-Permian mass extinction on terrestrial ecosystems is still highly controversial. Here, new high-resolution palynological data from biostratigraphically well-dated Upper Permian to Middle Triassic successions Salt Range and Surghar (Pakistan) are presented. Our results reveal seven successive floral phases between Late Triassic. At onset Mesozoic, flora characterised by high abundances lycopods associated with pteridosperms conifers. This association prevails up middle Smithian followed a prominent spore spike similar global reported Permian–Triassic boundary. Like that end-Permian, negative isotope excursion succeeded major marine faunal event in late Smithian. recurrent patterns observed at boundary middle–upper suggest common cause such as massive ejections volcanic gases. increasing abundance conifers Spathian suggests fading volcanically induced environmental perturbations stabilisation ca. 2.1 My after event.