PALAEOZOIC Meaning and
Definition
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Palaeozoic, also spelled Paleozoic, is an adjective used in the field of geology and paleontology to describe a major division of geological time that encompasses the Earth's history from around 541 million years ago to approximately 252 million years ago. This era, meaning "ancient life" in Greek, is characterized by the development and proliferation of diverse and complex life forms.
The Palaeozoic era is divided into six distinct periods: the Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian. It marks significant evolutionary milestones, including the emergence of organisms with hard shells, the colonization of land by plants and early animals, as well as the diversification of fish, insects, and reptiles.
During the Palaeozoic era, the configuration of the Earth's landmasses underwent considerable changes due to tectonic activity, leading to the formation of supercontinents such as Gondwana and Pangaea. The climate fluctuated, with periods of warm temperatures and rising sea levels alternating with periods of glaciation.
This era came to an end with a mass extinction event at the close of the Permian period, wiping out nearly 90% of marine species and over two-thirds of terrestrial species. The causes of this extinction event are still debated among scientists.
The study of the Palaeozoic era provides valuable insight into the early developments and evolutionary patterns of life on Earth, as well as our planet's geological history.
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In geol., a term applied to the lowest division of stratified groups in which the earliest-known forms of life appear.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PALAEOZOIC
Etymology of PALAEOZOIC
The word "Palaeozoic" comes from two Greek words: "palaios", meaning "ancient", and "zoion", meaning "animal". This term was used to describe a significant era in Earth's history, known as the Paleozoic Era, which spanned from about 541 million to 252 million years ago. It is an important period as it witnessed the diversification of multicellular life, the emergence of various marine and terrestrial organisms, as well as the first appearance of complex plants, insects, reptiles, and other significant evolutionary events.
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