Early ordovician

Definition

The Early Ordovician is the first epoch of the Ordovician Period, occurring approximately 485 to 471 million years ago. This time is marked by significant geological and biological changes, including the diversification of marine life and the formation of new habitats in oceans due to rising sea levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Early Ordovician saw the first appearance of diverse groups such as graptolites and early corals, which contributed to complex marine ecosystems.
2. During this epoch, there was a significant rise in sea levels, leading to extensive shallow marine environments that fostered biological diversity.
3. The period is characterized by a warm climate that allowed for thriving marine life, with many new species appearing in fossil records.
4. Massive volcanic activity during the Early Ordovician played a role in shaping the geological landscape and influencing global climate patterns.
5. The end of the Early Ordovician is marked by the first major extinction event of the period, which significantly affected marine life.

Review Questions

• What were some major biological changes that occurred during the Early Ordovician, and how did they impact marine ecosystems?
  • During the Early Ordovician, there was a remarkable increase in biodiversity with the emergence of new life forms such as graptolites and early corals. This diversification contributed to more complex marine ecosystems as various species began to occupy different niches. The expansion of these habitats due to rising sea levels allowed for a greater variety of organisms to thrive and interact, shaping the ecological dynamics of the time.
• Analyze how rising sea levels during the Early Ordovician influenced geological and biological developments in marine environments.
  • Rising sea levels during the Early Ordovician created expansive shallow marine environments that were conducive to the proliferation of life. These conditions led to new habitats where organisms could flourish, resulting in significant biological diversification. The increased marine space also allowed for more complex interactions between species, enhancing ecological relationships and contributing to the overall health and stability of marine ecosystems.
• Evaluate the significance of volcanic activity during the Early Ordovician and its effects on both geological formations and climate.
  • Volcanic activity during the Early Ordovician was significant for several reasons, impacting both geological formations and climate conditions. The eruptions contributed to the creation of new landforms and altered oceanic patterns through ash deposition and gas emissions. Additionally, this volcanic activity likely influenced global temperatures, affecting marine habitats and biodiversity by creating conditions favorable for certain life forms while challenging others, thus playing a crucial role in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of marine ecosystems at that time.

Related terms

Ordovician Period: A geological period that follows the Cambrian and precedes the Silurian, known for an explosion of marine biodiversity.

Sea Level Rise: The increase in ocean water levels, which played a crucial role in creating new marine environments during the Early Ordovician.

Biodiversity: The variety of life found on Earth, which saw a major increase during the Early Ordovician as many new species of organisms evolved.