30 million years after Earth's birth a cataclysmic collision almost destroyed the planet completely. Instead this chance collision formed the moon, triggering an extraordinary sequence of events that formed this unique planet teaming with life.

The most catastrophic extinction event in the history of the earth was the Permian Extinction 250 million years ago. Scientists believe this was caused by a massive half million year eruption in the Siberian traps that lead to wave after wave of toxic gases devastating life on the planet beginning with sulfur dioxide followed by carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and methane. Yet, some animals found sanctuaries where they could survive.