Scientists Warn of Mammal Extinction in 250 Million Years Due to Extreme Heat

Scientists predict thatthe majority of land-dwelling mammals on Earth will face extinction due to extreme heat, as per computer modeling assessing long-term changes in the planet's continents and climate, as reported by New Scientist. The research, led by Alexander Farnsworth, a paleoclimate scientist from the University of Bristol, suggests that the Earth's conditions could become too hostile for the survival of mammals, including humans. The study identifies three contributing factors to this impending climate crisis: an increasingly intense sun, alterations in continental geography, and rising carbon dioxide levels. Published in the journal Nature Geoscience on a Monday, Dr. Farnsworth commented, "It's a triple whammy that becomes unsurvivable." Astronomers anticipate that the sun will gradually intensify and may eventually engulf Earth in approximately 7.6 billion years, according to the New York Times. The study also predicts that this process will heat up Earth's atmosphere, leading to greater evaporation of water from both oceans and continents. Furthermore, scientists anticipate the formation of a new supercontinent, referred to as "Pangea Ultima," along the equator in 250 million years. This supercontinent will significantly influence climate patterns due to its topography, including extensive flat terrain distant from the oceans. Pangea Ultima will also feature numerous volcanoes emitting carbon dioxide, further contributing to rising atmospheric levels of this greenhouse gas. Dr. Farnsworth and his colleagues argue that the situation will likely deteriorate further for mammals, including humans. Their research indicates that nearly all of Pangea Ultima could become too hot to sustain mammalian life, potentially resulting in a mass extinction event, according to the media outlet. While Dr. Farnsworth acknowledges some uncertainty, he suggests that mammals may endure for a somewhat extended period, possibly around 200 million years, with some variability. Source - Scientific America