Cambrian period

Cambrian Period

The Cambrian Period is a geological time period that occurred approximately 541 to 485.4 million years ago. This period is significant in Earth's history due to the sudden diversification of multicellular life, known as the Cambrian explosion.

Overview

The Cambrian Period is the first geological period of the Paleozoic Era, following the Proterozoic Eon. It is named after Cambria, the Latin name for Wales, where rocks from this age were first studied.

Cambrian Explosion

The most significant event during the Cambrian Period was the Cambrian explosion. This event is characterized by the rapid diversification of multicellular life, leading to the appearance of the majority of modern phyla. The causes of the Cambrian explosion remain a topic of ongoing scientific debate, with theories ranging from changes in the environment to the development of new evolutionary traits.

Geology

The Cambrian Period is marked by the formation of many new sedimentary basins, which preserved a rich record of the life and environments of this time. The period also saw the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia, leading to the formation of the Iapetus Ocean.

Life

The Cambrian Period saw a significant increase in the complexity and diversity of life on Earth. This period marks the first appearance of many major groups of complex organisms, including arthropods, molluscs, and echinoderms. The first trilobites also appeared during this period.

Climate

The climate during the Cambrian Period was likely warmer than today, with no evidence of glaciation at the poles. This warm climate, combined with high levels of oxygen in the atmosphere, may have contributed to the rapid diversification of life during this period.

See Also

• Geological time scale
• Paleozoic Era
• Cambrian explosion
• Trilobite