Ordovician Period

The Ordovician Period is the second period of the Paleozoic Era, spanning from approximately 485.4 to 443.8 million years ago. It is named after the Celtic tribe of the Ordovices, and is known for significant evolutionary events and a diverse marine ecosystem.

Key Events and Characteristics of the Ordovician Period:

• Climate: The Ordovician Period was characterized by a relatively warm climate and a greenhouse world, with no polar ice caps.
• Continents: During the Ordovician, the supercontinent Gondwana was situated over the South Pole, while Laurentia (which would later form North America) was located near the equator.
• Life Forms: The Ordovician saw the rise of diverse marine life, including brachiopods, trilobites, cephalopods, and early fish. The period also marked the first appearance of jawed fish and the colonization of land by plants.
• Mass Extinction: Towards the end of the Ordovician Period, a mass extinction event occurred, likely due to a combination of glaciation and changes in sea levels. This event significantly impacted marine life, particularly trilobites and brachiopods.

Study Guide for the Ordovician Period:

1. Timeline:

Learn about the duration of the Ordovician Period and its place in the geological timescale. Be able to identify the start and end dates of the period.

2. Climate and Geography:

Understand the climatic conditions during the Ordovician Period and the positioning of continents such as Gondwana and Laurentia.

3. Evolution of Life:

Study the major groups of organisms that thrived during the Ordovician Period, including trilobites, brachiopods, and early fish. Explore the significance of the period in the evolution of marine life.

4. Mass Extinction:

Investigate the causes and consequences of the mass extinction event that marked the end of the Ordovician Period. Understand its impact on the marine ecosystem and the subsequent evolutionary patterns.

By mastering these key points, you will have a solid understanding of the Ordovician Period and its importance in Earth's history.

[Ordovician] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Geologic timeScience • Eighth Grade