That Time It Rained for Two Million Years

The video explores Earth's climate 250 million years ago during the Triassic period, focusing on the Carnian Pluvial Episode, a 2-million-year period of intense rainfall. This episode led to significant changes in flora and fauna, paving the way for dinosaur dominance. The video also discusses the role of volcanic eruptions in climate change and the eventual stabilization of the climate, marking the end of the Carnian Pluvial Episode.

What was a significant feature of Earth's geography during the early Triassic period?

• There were large mountain ranges across the continents.

• The continents were joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea.

• The Earth was covered in dense forests.

• The continents were separated by vast oceans.

What geological evidence led to the discovery of the Carnian Pluvial Episode?

• Thick layers of volcanic ash.

• Fossils of large marine reptiles.

• Red sandstone deposits.

• River rocks and coal swamps.

How did the Carnian Pluvial Episode affect the dominance of dinosaurs?

• Dinosaurs were already the dominant species before the episode.

• The episode allowed dinosaurs to become more abundant.

• The episode caused a decline in dinosaur populations.

• The episode led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

Which group of animals struggled to adapt to the new wet environment during the Carnian Pluvial Episode?

• Rhynchosaurs

• Marine reptiles

• Dinosaurs

• Birds

What role did volcanic activity play in the Carnian Pluvial Episode?

• It resulted in the extinction of marine life.

• It caused a decrease in global temperatures.

• It increased atmospheric CO2, leading to a warmer and wetter climate.

• It led to the formation of large deserts.

What was the primary reason for the end of the Carnian Pluvial Episode?

• The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea.

• A decrease in volcanic activity and stabilization of the carbon cycle.

• The extinction of all plant life.

• A sudden drop in global temperatures.

What was a long-term impact of the Carnian Pluvial Episode on plant life?

• The extinction of all conifer species.

• The diversification and spread of conifers.

• The emergence of flowering plants.

• The dominance of ferns over other plants.