Back to Show
NOVA
The Catastrophe That Killed 90% Of Earth’s Species
252 million years ago, the most devastating mass extinction of all time wiped out around 90% of all species on Earth. The culprit? Liquid magma beneath Pangea’s northern surface that split open the crust and tore apart the landscape, spewing curtains of lava and fire.
Support Provided By
53:21
Can bringing predators—and fear—back into an ecosystem help restore its natural balance?
1:52:46
Paleontologist Kirk Johnson explores the dynamic history—and future—of ice at the poles.
53:30
Discover the science behind Leonardo da Vinci's masterpieces—and Mona Lisa's iconic smile.
53:15
Amazing fossils reveal how mammals took over after an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:23
New archeological evidence shows the stunning engineering of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
53:51
Join scientists as they grab light from across the universe to prove quantum entanglement.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:21
Follow engineers and woodworkers as they rebuild an iconic American covered bridge.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:34
Follow the harrowing operation to rescue 12 boys stranded in a flooded cave in Thailand.