Paleozoic

From Palaeos.org

Devonian scene showing acanthodian fish (Kentuckia), rugose and tabulate (Favosites) corals, crinoids (only the stems are visible here), a trilobite and a gastropod

The Paleozoic (also spelt "Palaeozoic") era lasted from about 540 to 250 million years ago, and is divided into six periods The 320-odd million years of the Paleozoic era saw many important events, including the development of most invertebrate groups, life's conquest of land, the evolution of fish, reptiles, insects, and vascular plants, the formation of the supercontinent of Pangea, and no less than two distinct ice ages. The earth rotated faster than it does today so days were shorter, and the nearer moon meant stronger tides.

The six periods, followed by the time they began are:

Permian 299 Mya

Carboniferous 359 Mya

Devonian 416 Mya

Silurian 444 Mya

Ordovician 488 Mya

Cambrian 542 Mya

Palaeos com - Paleozoic

Credits (Paleozoic pages) - page uploaded on Kheper Site on 28 May 1998, uploaded on Palaeos Site 9 April 2002, checked ATW020714, last modified ATW041219, transferred to new Palaeos MM060921, divided into several pages MAK060923.