Graph Showing the Break Point Analysis (IMAGE) University of Bristol Caption Graph showing the break point analysis. Red circles are the seven Triassic faunas, and the size of the circle represents the total number of specimens. The break point was discovered by the statistical model at 232 million years ago, the time of the Carnian extinction, driven by climate change caused by massive volcanic eruptions. Credit Mike Benton, University of Bristol Usage Restrictions image is for single use only to illustrate this press release and must not be archived. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.