Fossil Study Links Ancient Fern Savannas to Increased Wildfires in End‑Triassic Europe

Ancient fern savannahs may have turned parts of Europe into a wildfire‑prone inferno during the end‑Triassic mass extinction, according to new fossil evidence. Researchers have uncovered layers of charcoal and fern remains that indicate repeated fires in these ecosystems, suggesting that the vegetation not only survived but regenerated after each blaze.

The study shows that the ferns, which dominated the landscape, were able to resprout quickly after being scorched. Their rapid regrowth produced fresh, dry fuel that fed subsequent fires, creating a cycle that extended the period of environmental stress. This pattern may have amplified the devastation of the extinction event, prolonging the recovery of ecosystems that were already struggling from volcanic activity and climate change.

These findings add a new dimension to our understanding of the end‑Triassic extinction, highlighting the role of fire dynamics in shaping the trajectory of life on Earth. The research underscores how plant communities can influence, and be influenced by, catastrophic events, offering insights into the resilience and vulnerability of ecosystems in the face of rapid environmental change.