Ordovician definitions
| Word backwards | naicivodrO |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "Ordovician" is an adjective. |
| Syllabic division | Or-do-vi-cian |
| Plural | The plural of the word Ordovician is Ordovicians. |
| Total letters | 10 |
| Vogais (4) | o,o,i,a |
| Consonants (6) | o,r,d,v,c,n |
The Ordovician period, named after the ancient Celtic tribe of the Ordovices, lasted from approximately 485 to 443 million years ago. It is the second period of the Paleozoic Era, following the Cambrian period and preceding the Silurian period. The Ordovician period was a time of significant evolutionary developments in marine life, often referred to as the "Age of Fishes."
Geology and Climate
During the Ordovician period, much of Earth's landmasses were clustered together in a supercontinent known as Gondwana. The climate during this time was relatively warm, with high sea levels leading to extensive shallow seas. These conditions allowed for the flourishing of marine life, including diverse invertebrates such as trilobites, brachiopods, and cephalopods.
Biodiversity
The Ordovician period saw a remarkable diversification of marine life, with a wide array of new species evolving. The first jawless fish appeared during this time, representing a pivotal moment in the evolution of vertebrates. Additionally, early coral reefs began to form, indicating the growing complexity of marine ecosystems.
Mass Extinction
Despite the flourishing of marine life, the end of the Ordovician period was marked by a mass extinction event. Approximately 60% of marine species went extinct during what is known as the Ordovician-Silurian extinction event. The causes of this extinction event are still debated among scientists, with factors such as glaciation, volcanic activity, and changes in ocean chemistry being proposed.
Importance
The Ordovician period contributes significantly to our understanding of Earth's history and the evolution of life. By studying the fossils and geology of this period, scientists can piece together a more complete picture of how life on Earth has evolved over millions of years. The biodiversity and ecological changes that occurred during the Ordovician set the stage for future evolutionary events, shaping the course of life on our planet.
Ordovician Examples
- The fossils found in the Ordovician rocks were well-preserved.
- Scientists study the climate during the Ordovician period to understand ancient Earth.
- The Ordovician extinction event had a significant impact on marine life.
- Geologists use the boundaries of the Ordovician period to date rock layers.
- Ordovician trilobites are some of the most common fossils found in that period.
- The Ordovician period lasted approximately 45 million years.
- Early vertebrates began to appear in the Ordovician period.
- The Ordovician period is named after the ancient Celtic tribe, the Ordovices.
- The Ordovician period followed the Cambrian period and preceded the Silurian period.
- During the Ordovician, much of the Earth's landmass was part of the supercontinent Gondwana.