Paleozoic Era Overview

Introduction

• The Paleozoic Era is the first era of the Phanerozoic Eon.
• Lasted from 541 to 252 million years ago.
• Marked by significant biological and geological changes.

Cambrian Explosion

• Followed the Proterozoic Eon.
• Nature experimented with a variety of body designs.
• Lack of predators allowed for a rapid radiation of animals.

Evolution of Life

• Life began in oceans, moved to land.
• First vascular plants paved the way for terrestrial life.
• Lungfish and other creatures followed plants onto land.

Impact of Vascular Plants

• Absorbed CO2, cooling Earth and causing a mass extinction.
• Laid foundations for new ecosystems.

Emergence of Amphibians and Reptiles

• Amphibians, evolved from lungfish, were the first vertebrates on land.
• All vertebrates, including dinosaurs and humans, share a common ancestor with amphibians.
• Evolution of reptiles marked by rise of the amniote egg, allowing reproduction on dry land.

Geological Changes

• Series of mountain building events in Eastern North America:
  • Taconic Orogeny - 450 million years ago.
  • Acadian Orogeny - 380 million years ago.
  • Alleghanian Orogeny - 300 million years ago, forming the Appalachian Mountains.
• Formation of the supercontinent Pangea.

Carboniferous Period

• Named for large coal deposits formed globally.
• Coal formation linked to rapid burial of plant tissues in anoxic conditions.
• Sea level fluctuations driven by glacial cycles.
• Coal deposits vital for the Industrial Revolution.

Conclusion

• The Paleozoic Era was a time of dramatic transformation.
• Set the stage for the next era of the Phanerozoic Eon.