The Permian period lasted from about 299 to 252 million years ago and is the last period of the Paleozoic era. It is known for its diverse ecosystems, including vast forests of seed ferns and the appearance of early reptiles. The climate varied from dry deserts to lush wetlands, supporting a wide range of life forms. The Permian period ended with the largest mass extinction in Earth's history, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction event. This event wiped out approximately 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrates, drastically changing the course of evolution and paving the way for the rise of the Mesozoic era.