Ordovician Period

The Ordovician Period is the second period of the Paleozoic Era, lasting from about 485 to 443 million years ago. It is named after the Celtic tribe of the Ordovices and is known for significant evolutionary events and diversification of marine life.

Geological Events

• During the Ordovician, much of the Earth's landmasses were clustered together in the supercontinent Gondwana, while Laurentia (a precursor to North America) and Baltica (a precursor to northern Europe) were separate landmasses.
• It was a period of extensive volcanic activity, leading to the formation of new landmasses and changes in sea levels.

Climate

• The climate was relatively warm, and there were no polar ice caps during this period.
• However, there were fluctuations in sea levels, leading to several glacial and interglacial periods.

Biological Evolution

• The Ordovician is known for the "Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event," during which there was a significant increase in the diversity of marine life, including the proliferation of various types of brachiopods, bryozoans, and trilobites.
• Early vertebrates, such as jawless fish, also began to appear during this period.
• Plants and terrestrial life were limited during the Ordovician, with the majority of life being marine-based.

Study Guide

To study the Ordovician Period, it is important to focus on the following key points:

1. Geological events, including the formation of Gondwana and the impact of volcanic activity.
2. Climate patterns and the absence of polar ice caps.
3. The Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event and the diversification of marine life.
4. The appearance of early vertebrates and the limited presence of terrestrial life.

Additionally, studying the fossil record of the Ordovician can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary processes and the environmental conditions of the time.

[Ordovician] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Geologic timeScience • Eighth Grade