The Leningian Period: A Time of Oceanic Safety

0:00 Nature’s Unspoken Rule And The Period That Broke It

Historically, life in water has been considered more dangerous than on land. However, before the age of dinosaurs, there was a unique period when survival was safer in the oceans. This time, known as the Leningian, marked a shift in nature’s balance.

0:45 Geography & Oceanography

During the Leningian period (259 million years ago), Earth was drastically different. The supercontinent Pangaea dominated, and the ocean Panthalassa covered more than 60% of the planet's surface, dwarfing today's Pacific Ocean.

2:15 What Lived In The Oceans & Seas

Despite its size, marine life in Panthalassa was relatively tame. Sharks, like the helicoprion, existed but were not as threatening, and most larger marine predators had gone extinct, leaving the oceans less dangerous than the land.

3:56 What Caused Life In The Water To Be So Unscary?

The Capitanian mass extinction event had devastated marine life, resulting in fewer predators in the ocean. Conversely, land life rebounded quickly, becoming more dangerous due to the emergence of new predators.

4:35 The Opposite Story On Land & Earth’s Old Rulers

On land, the extinction of dominant species allowed terrifying new predators, such as gorgonopsids, to thrive. These saber-toothed creatures became the apex predators, making terrestrial environments quite hazardous.

5:11 Earth’s Original Sabre-Tooths

Gorgonopsids, resembling saber-toothed cats but not mammals, evolved in various forms, with some growing larger over time. Their hunting strategies and physical adaptations made them formidable threats.

6:30 The Largest Predator

The largest known gorgonopsid, Inos Transavia, could reach over 11 feet in length and weighed as much as a bear. It was a highly effective predator, known for its fearsome teeth and adaptability across diverse habitats.

8:45 Permian Russia Was A Problem

Late Permian Russia hosted numerous gorgonopsid species, making it a dangerous place for herbivores. This dominance created a perilous ecosystem where these predators thrived.

9:18 The Giant Gorgonopsids That Ruled Africa

In Africa, a family of large gorgonopsids evolved alongside Inos Transavia. They were robust and effective hunters, significantly impacting local ecosystems.

11:27 The Arch Nemesis - Therocephalians

Other terrifying predators, such as the therocephalians, emerged during this time. These creatures showcased a variety of hunting techniques and included some that may have been venomous.

12:50 Jaguar Sized Predator With A Lion Sized Head

The Moscarinus was a notable predator, equipped with sharp teeth and a powerful bite, making it a significant threat in its environment.

13:35 Runner Up For Largest Land Carnivore

Mega-whia, believed to be venomous, was another large predator of the time, showcasing the diversity and danger of late Permian carnivores.

14:25 Other Late Permian Carnivores

Various other carnivorous species roamed the Earth, further complicating the survival of herbivores in both terrestrial and semi-aquatic environments.

15:20 Amphibians

Primitive amphibians thrived in freshwater, with some becoming specialized hunters, adding to the dangers of the environment.

16:30 Herbivores & The Largest Animal On Earth

Despite the threats, herbivores adapted and thrived, showcasing diverse strategies for survival in a hostile landscape.

18:28 Prehistoric Skies

The skies during the late Permian were not dominated by large predators, providing a slight reprieve from danger.

19:21 Mother Nature Wanna Kill You Too - The Great Dying

The late Permian ended with a catastrophic extinction event known as the Great Dying, drastically altering life on Earth. While land life suffered massively, ocean life fared somewhat better, providing a safer refuge in turbulent times.