Carboniferous Period

Definition

The Carboniferous Period was a geological time period that lasted from approximately 359 to 299 million years ago. It was a crucial era in the Earth's history, marked by significant changes in the climate, chemical evolution, and the development of life on the planet.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Carboniferous Period was a time of significant global cooling, leading to the formation of extensive glaciers and the lowering of sea levels.
2. The abundance of plant life during the Carboniferous Period, particularly the growth of large, woody plants, led to the formation of vast coal deposits that are still being used today.
3. The Carboniferous Period saw the diversification of early tetrapods, the first vertebrates to adapt to life on land, including the earliest known amphibians and reptiles.
4. The chemical evolution of the atmosphere during the Carboniferous Period was marked by a significant increase in oxygen levels, which supported the growth of large, terrestrial organisms.
5. The Carboniferous Period was a time of significant tectonic activity, with the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea and the associated mountain-building events.

Review Questions

• Explain how the climate changes during the Carboniferous Period influenced the development of life on Earth.
  • The Carboniferous Period was characterized by significant global cooling, leading to the formation of extensive glaciers and the lowering of sea levels. This climate change had a profound impact on the development of life, as it allowed for the diversification of early tetrapods, the first vertebrates to adapt to life on land. The cooler climate and the lowering of sea levels also created new ecological niches, which were filled by the growth of large, woody plants, ultimately leading to the formation of vast coal deposits. The chemical evolution of the atmosphere during this period, marked by a significant increase in oxygen levels, further supported the growth of large, terrestrial organisms, contributing to the overall development of life on Earth.
• Describe the role of the Carboniferous Period in the chemical evolution of the Earth's atmosphere.
  • The Carboniferous Period was a crucial time in the chemical evolution of the Earth's atmosphere. During this period, the growth of large, woody plants led to a significant increase in the levels of oxygen in the atmosphere. This increase in oxygen levels supported the diversification of life, particularly the development of large, terrestrial organisms. The chemical evolution of the atmosphere during the Carboniferous Period also had a significant impact on the global climate, as the increased oxygen levels contributed to the overall cooling of the planet, leading to the formation of extensive glaciers and the lowering of sea levels. This, in turn, influenced the development of life on Earth, as it created new ecological niches and opportunities for the diversification of early tetrapods and other organisms.
• Analyze the relationship between the Carboniferous Period, the formation of Pangaea, and the subsequent changes in climate and life on Earth.
  • The Carboniferous Period was a time of significant tectonic activity, marked by the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea. The formation of Pangaea had a profound impact on the climate and the development of life on Earth during this period. The assembly of the supercontinent led to the creation of a large, central landmass, which in turn influenced global weather patterns and the distribution of moisture and precipitation. This, combined with the overall global cooling that characterized the Carboniferous Period, resulted in the formation of extensive glaciers and the lowering of sea levels. These climate changes had a significant impact on the development of life, as they created new ecological niches and opportunities for the diversification of early tetrapods and other organisms. Additionally, the chemical evolution of the atmosphere during the Carboniferous Period, marked by the increase in oxygen levels, further supported the growth and diversification of large, terrestrial organisms, contributing to the overall changes in the biosphere during this crucial time in Earth's history.

Related terms

Pennsylvanian Subperiod: The later part of the Carboniferous Period, characterized by the formation of extensive coal deposits due to the growth of lush forests and swamps.

Mississippian Subperiod: The earlier part of the Carboniferous Period, known for the development of diverse marine life, including crinoids, brachiopods, and primitive amphibians.

Gondwana: The supercontinent that formed during the Carboniferous Period, consisting of present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and India.