13.2 Paleozoic Era: Life Explodes

By: Marcos De La Sierra Summer 2

GondwanaDefinition-

Late Paleozoic continent that formed the southern portion of Pangaea, consisting of all or parts of present-day South America, Africa, Australia, India, and Antarctica

LaurasiaDefinition-

The continental mass that formed the northern portion of Pangaea, consisting of present day North America and Eurasia

Key Concept When was the

Paleozoic era?

Following the long Precambrian, the most recent 540 million years of earth’s history are divided into three eras: Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.

Key Concept How did tectonic movements affect the

location and formations of the continents during the Paleozoic era?

During the Cambrian, Ordovician, and Silurian periods, the vast southern continent of Gondwana encompassed five of today’s continents.

Key Concept What kind of life existed in the early

Paleozoic?

Life in early Paleozoic time was restricted to the seas. By the end of the Paleozoic era, all the continents had fused into the supercontinent of Pangaea.

Key Concept How did life evolve during the Paleozoic era?

Some 40 million years ago, plants that had adapted to survive at the water’s edge began to move inland, becoming land plants. The amphibians rapidly diversified because they had minimum competition from other land dwellers.