[ WP ] The Permian-Triassic extinction event was caused by sentient life that evolved on Earth , and accidentally killed itself .

The professors gathered in the central atrium, for the impromptu meeting the dean had called. No other staff were allowed, and certain professors were excluded. The philosophers, sociologists, anthropologists, paleontologists, geologists, and etc were there, but something was missing. No mathematics, grammar, or history? Science was there, although not chemistry or physics, but the other scholastic subjects seemed excluded, as well as arts and athletics. It was enough to arouse considerable suspicion, and sweat dripped from nervous men who stood as the smartest in their various fields. 
 
 The distinguished dean entered the room, and students brought in several large cases, and a projector. The projector was turned on, and slides loaded as the dean approached the polished mahogany podium. 
 
 `` Ladies and gentlemen,'' she began with considerable purpose. `` We made some amazing discoveries during our recent visits to the world's deepest trenches. Astonishing findings have prompted this immediate conference, which we were requested to hold, by the government, before releasing our discoveries to the public.'' 
 
 Collective gasps filled the room, but the dean kept stoic, appearing professional and unconcerned. 
 
 `` We discovered some artificial elements in the rock of the late Permian,'' she announced as the projector fired up and displayed a graph showing large quantities of unknown isotopes in the soil. 
 
 `` The artificial substances,'' she continued, `` Abruptly stopped after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. `` In fact, it appears these artificial substances contributed to the mass extinction, and could've only have been deposited by sentient beings.'' 
 
 She paused for the gaps and whispers from the audience. The critics furrowed their brows, but were curious nonetheless. 
 
 `` At this time, we do n't believe this life to be extraterrestrial in origin. Their cities have been recycled by plate tectonics, and lost to time. Many of their fossils suffered the same fate, and we're left to ponder what they did leave us. Well, they destroyed themselves, which is exactly what humans are doing!'' 
 
 Her voice raised, and the distinguished crowd was now enamored with the alleged discovery. 
 
 `` So, esteemed colleagues, we did find something to show as proof. It appears to be a video recording device of some sort. The technology is nothing like what we have today, but we've managed to build the necessary components to wire it into a display. We've yet to examine this, and hopefully it will provide some insight.'' 
 
 She turned towards a group of students, who unboxed a small object, almost Styrian blue in color, and attempted to activate it with another artifact. Both devices lit up, and an image was glued to the wall. 
 
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