When EARTH was taken over by GIANT INSECTS

When EARTH was taken over by GIANT INSECTS
In the Carboniferous period, some 359 to 299 million years ago, the Earth experienced an era dominated by giant insects, a time when oxygen levels in the atmosphere reached unusually high concentrations, up to 35%, much higher than today. This phenomenon allowed the development of enormous arthropods, such as the dragonfly Meganeura, with a wingspan of up to 70 cm, and the millipede Arthropleura, which could measure more than 2 meters long.

The extensive swamps filled with ferns and primitive trees created ideal habitats for these creatures. In addition, giant insects played a crucial role in ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and feeding on plants and small animals. However, the end of the Carboniferous marked the decline of this era, with decreasing oxygen levels and global climate changes transforming habitats. This historical stage offers us a fascinating window into a primitive world filled with giants of the insect kingdom.

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