Paleozoic Era

The Paleozoic era is an important period in Earth's history, lasting from about 541 million years ago to 252 million years ago. It is known as the era of ancient life and is divided into six geologic periods: the Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian.

Study Guide

1. Geologic Periods: What are the six geologic periods of the Paleozoic era, and in what order do they occur?
2. Evolutionary Milestones: What major evolutionary milestones occurred during the Paleozoic era, such as the Cambrian explosion and the rise of vertebrates?
3. Climate and Environments: How did the climate and environments change during the Paleozoic era, and what impact did this have on the evolution of life?
4. Mass Extinction Events: What were the major mass extinction events that occurred at the end of the Paleozoic era, and what were their causes?
5. Fossil Record: What important fossil discoveries have contributed to our understanding of the Paleozoic era and the ancient life that existed during this time?
6. Impact on Modern Life: How has the Paleozoic era influenced the development of modern life, and what lessons can we learn from studying this period in Earth's history?

By studying the Paleozoic era, we gain valuable insights into the early evolution of life on Earth and the environmental changes that shaped the planet's biodiversity. It is a fascinating and important era to explore in the field of Earth science.

[Paleozoic] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Geologic timeScience • Eighth Grade