A catastrophic event 250 million years ago, known as the Permian extinction, nearly wiped out all life on Earth. Scientists are now piecing together the puzzle of this ancient disaster, exploring how massive volcanic eruptions and a sudden, dramatic rise in global temperatures triggered a chain reaction that devastated both land and sea. Through the study of fossilized plants and geological evidence, researchers are uncovering the clues to this dark chapter in Earth's history, revealing a world pushed to the brink of total collapse.