Cambrian Period

The Cambrian Period, which occurred approximately 541 million years ago, marks an important time in Earth's history. It is the first period of the Paleozoic Era and is known for the rapid diversification of life forms, often referred to as the "Cambrian explosion".

Key Points to Remember

• The Cambrian Period began around 541 million years ago and lasted for about 56 million years.
• This period is characterized by the sudden appearance of a wide variety of complex organisms, including the earliest known animals with hard shells and skeletons.
• The Cambrian explosion led to the rapid diversification of marine life, including the emergence of the first arthropods, chordates, and echinoderms.
• During the Cambrian Period, Earth's continents were part of the supercontinent Gondwana, and the climate was generally warmer than it is today.
• Fossil evidence from the Cambrian Period provides important insights into the early development of multicellular life and the evolutionary relationships between different groups of organisms.

Study Tips

When studying the Cambrian Period, it's important to focus on the following key areas:

1. Major geological and climatic events during the Cambrian Period.
2. The significance of the Cambrian explosion in the history of life on Earth.
3. Identification of key fossil organisms from the Cambrian Period and their evolutionary significance.
4. Understanding the concept of stratigraphy and the methods used to date rocks and fossils from the Cambrian Period.

Recommended Resources

For further reading and research, consider exploring the following resources:

• Textbooks on paleontology and geological history.
• Scientific papers and articles on the Cambrian Period and the Cambrian explosion.
• Museum exhibits or online databases showcasing Cambrian fossils and related information.

Remember to take notes, create flashcards of important terms and concepts, and seek out additional resources to deepen your understanding of the Cambrian Period.

[Cambrian] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Geologic timeScience • Eighth Grade