Paleozoic Era

The Paleozoic Era is a geologic era that lasted from about 541 million to 252 million years ago. It is known as the era of ancient life, and it is divided into six periods: Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian.

Key Events and Characteristics

• Diversification of Life: The Paleozoic Era saw the emergence and diversification of many new types of organisms, including the first fish, plants, insects, and reptiles.
• Mass Extinctions: Several mass extinctions occurred during this era, including the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which wiped out about 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.
• Formation of Supercontinents: The Paleozoic saw the formation and breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, which had a significant impact on global climate and ecology.
• Evolution of Land Plants: The first land plants, such as mosses and ferns, began to colonize the land during the Paleozoic, leading to the eventual development of complex forests and ecosystems.

Study Guide

Here are some key concepts and topics to focus on when studying the Paleozoic Era:

1. Major geological events and changes during each of the six periods of the Paleozoic Era.
2. The evolution and diversification of life during the Paleozoic, including the development of early marine and terrestrial organisms.
3. The impact of supercontinent formation and breakup on climate, ecology, and the distribution of species.
4. The causes and effects of mass extinctions during the Paleozoic, particularly the Permian-Triassic extinction event.
5. The transition of life from aquatic environments to land, including the development of early land plants and the colonization of terrestrial habitats.

By understanding these key concepts and topics, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the Paleozoic Era and its significance in the history of life on Earth.

[Paleozoic] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Geologic timeScience • Eighth Grade