A new study published today in the journal 'Science' finds that 'The Great Dying,' a mass extinction of life on earth that took place 250 million years ago, was caused by global warming. Almost 90 percent of all marine life on earth and 75 percent of all land dwelling creatures perished in 'The Great Dying.' Scientists previously believed it was caused by an asteroid hitting the earth but new data suggests otherwise.

A team of scientists have found evidence that constant volcanic eruptions in Siberia caused plant-wide warming on earth which caused a shortage of oxygen and nutrients available to life both on land and in the seas.

'The severe global warming had a devastating effect,' said Kliti Grice, one of the lead researchers on the study. 'Life suffocated or starved.'

The team of scientists from the United States, China, Australia, Great Britain and Germany, examined two sediment cores to reach their findings. Each measured approximately 100 feet long. One was in Western Australia, the other in southern China.

Both locations showed evidence that sulfides poisoned the seas and hydrogen sulfide was present in the air.

Professor Peter Ward of the University of Washington explained, 'Animals and plants, both on land and in the sea, were dying at the same time, and apparently from the same causes -- too much heat and too little oxygen.'

He indicated that similar things could happen in the future if long-term global warming is not corrected.