The Devonian Plant Explosion: Impact and Consequences

Exploring the influence of Devonian plants on mass extinction events, this chapter highlights the significant impact of the first forests on Earth's atmosphere and climate. It delves into the disruptions caused by the trees, leading to an ice age and eventual leakage of nutrients into the oceans, resulting in massive algal blooms and dead zones. The discussion raises questions about whether the trees were the main cause or trigger for environmental changes, emphasizing the importance of studying fossils to understand the evolution of land plants.