The , spanning 41.6 million years from 485.4 to 443.8 million years ago, marked a time of significant marine life diversification. As the second period in the , it saw the emergence of early land plants and set the stage for future evolutionary developments.
During this time, Earth's landmasses were clustered in the southern hemisphere, with shallow seas covering much of the continents. The period experienced warm, stable climate conditions, gradually cooling towards its end. These factors contributed to the and ultimately led to a .
Ordovician period overview
The Ordovician period is the second of six periods in the Paleozoic Era, following the Cambrian and preceding the Silurian
It is a time of significant diversification of marine life and the emergence of early land plants
The Ordovician period spans approximately 41.6 million years, from 485.4 to 443.8 million years ago
Position in Paleozoic Era
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The Paleozoic Era is divided into six periods: Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian
The Ordovician is the second oldest period in the Paleozoic Era, following the Cambrian period
It precedes the Silurian period and is known for its diverse marine life and the first appearance of land plants
Ordovician subdivisions
The Ordovician period is divided into three epochs: (485.4-470.0 Ma), (470.0-458.4 Ma), and (458.4-443.8 Ma)
Each epoch is further subdivided into stages, such as the Tremadocian, Floian, Dapingian, Darriwilian, Sandbian, Katian, and Hirnantian
These subdivisions are based on changes in the fossil record and global events, such as the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event and the
Duration of Ordovician period
The Ordovician period lasted approximately 41.6 million years, spanning from 485.4 to 443.8 million years ago
It is the second-longest period in the Paleozoic Era, after the Carboniferous
The duration of the Ordovician allows for significant evolutionary changes and the diversification of marine life
Ordovician paleogeography
During the Ordovician, the Earth's landmasses were configured differently than they are today, with most continents located in the southern hemisphere
The Ordovician paleogeography was characterized by the presence of shallow seas covering much of the continents and the existence of deep oceans separating the landmasses
The configuration of continents and oceans played a significant role in the distribution and evolution of Ordovician life
Continental configuration
In the Early Ordovician, most continents were clustered around the equator, forming a supercontinent called
(present-day North America) was located near the equator and separated from Gondwana by the
(present-day Europe) and were separate continents located in the southern hemisphere
Major landmasses
Gondwana: A supercontinent composed of present-day Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and parts of Asia
Laurentia: The ancestral North American continent
Baltica: The ancestral European continent
Siberia: The ancestral Siberian continent
: A microcontinent that split from Gondwana and eventually collided with Laurentia and Baltica
Shallow seas vs deep oceans
Shallow seas covered much of the continents during the Ordovician, creating extensive areas of continental shelves
These shallow seas provided habitats for diverse marine life, including , , and reef-building organisms
Deep oceans, such as the Iapetus Ocean and the , separated the major landmasses
The deep oceans were home to pelagic organisms and served as barriers to the dispersal of shallow marine fauna
Ordovician climate
The Ordovician climate was generally warm and stable, with evidence of gradual cooling towards the end of the period
The period experienced a major event during the Late Ordovician, which contributed to the End-Ordovician mass extinction
Changes in atmospheric composition, particularly carbon dioxide levels, played a role in the Ordovician climate
Global temperature trends
The Early and Middle Ordovician were characterized by relatively warm global temperatures, with little evidence of glaciation
A gradual cooling trend began in the Late Ordovician, culminating in a major glaciation event during the
The cooling trend is attributed to a combination of factors, including the weathering of silicate rocks and the burial of organic carbon
Glaciation evidence
Evidence for the Late Ordovician glaciation includes glacial deposits and ice-rafted debris found in sedimentary rocks
Glacial deposits have been identified in present-day Africa, South America, and the Arabian Peninsula, which were part of Gondwana during the Ordovician
The extent and duration of the glaciation are still debated, but it is thought to have been a major factor in the End-Ordovician mass extinction
Atmospheric composition
The Ordovician atmosphere had higher levels of carbon dioxide compared to present-day levels
Estimates suggest that atmospheric CO2 levels were around 8-10 times higher than pre-industrial levels
The high CO2 levels contributed to the during the Early and Middle Ordovician
The weathering of silicate rocks and the burial of organic carbon during the Late Ordovician led to a decrease in atmospheric CO2, contributing to the cooling trend and glaciation
Ordovician biodiversity
The Ordovician period is known for its high levels of marine biodiversity, particularly among invertebrate groups
The period saw the dominance of trilobites and brachiopods, as well as the development of extensive coral and bryozoan reefs
The Ordovician also marked the emergence of early land plants and the origins of vertebrates
Marine invertebrate dominance
Marine invertebrates, such as trilobites, brachiopods, cephalopods, and graptolites, dominated the Ordovician seas
These groups underwent significant diversification and adaptive radiation during the Ordovician
The high diversity of marine invertebrates is attributed to factors such as the abundance of shallow sea habitats, the evolution of new feeding strategies, and the development of hard body parts
Trilobite and brachiopod abundance
Trilobites and brachiopods were among the most abundant and diverse marine invertebrates during the Ordovician
Trilobites reached their peak diversity during the Ordovician, with numerous species adapted to various ecological niches
Brachiopods also experienced a significant diversification, with the appearance of new morphologies and the occupation of different habitats
The abundance of trilobites and brachiopods in Ordovician fossil assemblages makes them important index fossils for biostratigraphic correlation
Coral and bryozoan reefs
The Ordovician saw the development of extensive coral and bryozoan reefs in
Tabulate and rugose corals, along with bryozoans, were the main reef-building organisms during the Ordovician
Reefs provided habitats for diverse marine communities and played a role in the evolution of new species
The development of reefs also contributed to the formation of limestone deposits, which are important sources of paleontological and stratigraphic information
Early land plant emergence
The Ordovician marked the emergence of early land plants, although the evidence is limited and controversial
Possible evidence for early land plants includes spores found in Ordovician sediments and the presence of plant-like microfossils
The earliest unequivocal land plant fossils date back to the Silurian period, but the Ordovician may have seen the initial stages of plant terrestrialization
The emergence of land plants during the Ordovician had important implications for the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems and the global carbon cycle
Vertebrate origins
The Ordovician period witnessed the origins and early diversification of vertebrates
The oldest known vertebrate fossils, belonging to jawless fish (agnathans), date back to the Early Ordovician
Agnathans, such as conodonts and ostracoderms, were the dominant vertebrates during the Ordovician
The Ordovician also saw the appearance of the first jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes) towards the end of the period
The diversification of vertebrates during the Ordovician set the stage for their subsequent evolution and ecological importance
Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event
The Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE) was a significant increase in marine biodiversity that occurred during the Ordovician period
The GOBE is characterized by the rapid diversification of numerous marine invertebrate groups and the expansion of ecological niches
Several factors are thought to have contributed to the GOBE, including changes in ocean chemistry, the development of new habitats, and the evolution of key adaptations
Rapid diversification factors
The GOBE is attributed to a combination of biotic and abiotic factors that promoted rapid diversification
Biotic factors include the evolution of new feeding strategies, such as predation and filter-feeding, which allowed organisms to exploit new food sources
Abiotic factors include changes in ocean chemistry, such as increased oxygenation and nutrient availability, which created favorable conditions for marine life
The development of new habitats, such as reefs and hardgrounds, also provided opportunities for diversification and specialization
Adaptive radiation examples
The GOBE is characterized by numerous examples of adaptive radiation, where groups of organisms rapidly diversified to fill new ecological niches
Trilobites underwent adaptive radiation, with the evolution of new morphologies adapted to different feeding strategies and habitats
Brachiopods also experienced adaptive radiation, with the appearance of new shell shapes and sizes suited to various environments
Cephalopods, such as nautiloids, diversified during the Ordovician, with the evolution of new body plans and feeding strategies
Ecological niche expansion
The GOBE was marked by the expansion of ecological niches, as organisms evolved to occupy new roles in marine ecosystems
The evolution of predation led to the diversification of both predators and prey, with the appearance of new defensive adaptations and escape strategies
The development of filter-feeding allowed organisms to exploit suspended food particles, leading to the diversification of groups such as bryozoans and brachiopods
The colonization of new habitats, such as reefs and deep-water environments, provided opportunities for specialization and the evolution of new species
Ordovician extinctions
The Ordovician period ended with a major mass extinction event known as the End-Ordovician mass extinction
The extinction event was characterized by the loss of numerous marine invertebrate groups and a significant decline in global biodiversity
The causes of the End-Ordovician mass extinction are complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of biotic and abiotic factors
End-Ordovician mass extinction
The End-Ordovician mass extinction occurred in two pulses, coinciding with the onset and termination of the Hirnantian glaciation
The first pulse, known as the Hirnantian extinction, was associated with the rapid growth of ice sheets and a global drop in sea level
The second pulse, known as the Rhuddanian extinction, occurred during the subsequent deglaciation and is attributed to the spread of anoxic conditions in the oceans
The End-Ordovician mass extinction resulted in the loss of an estimated 85% of marine species and a significant restructuring of marine ecosystems
Glaciation-induced habitat loss
The growth of ice sheets during the Hirnantian glaciation led to a global drop in sea level and the exposure of shallow marine habitats
The loss of these habitats, which were home to diverse marine communities, contributed to the extinction of numerous species
The glaciation also caused changes in ocean circulation and temperature gradients, further disrupting marine ecosystems
The rapid nature of the glaciation likely exceeded the adaptive capacity of many species, leading to their extinction
Anoxic ocean conditions
The spread of anoxic conditions in the oceans during the Rhuddanian extinction is attributed to the release of nutrients and organic matter during deglaciation
The increased nutrient availability led to algal blooms and the subsequent decomposition of organic matter, consuming oxygen in the water column
Anoxic conditions are detrimental to most marine life, as they limit the availability of oxygen for respiration
The spread of anoxia likely contributed to the extinction of species that were unable to adapt to low-oxygen environments
Surviving lineages
Despite the severity of the End-Ordovician mass extinction, some lineages managed to survive and eventually recover
Surviving lineages included certain trilobite and brachiopod groups, as well as some coral and bryozoan species
The survival of these lineages is attributed to factors such as their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, their broad geographic distribution, and their ecological versatility
The recovery of marine ecosystems following the End-Ordovician mass extinction was gradual and marked by the diversification of surviving lineages and the evolution of new groups
Ordovician stratigraphy
Ordovician stratigraphy involves the study of rock layers and their fossil content to understand the geological and biological events of the period
The Ordovician stratigraphic record is well-represented in many parts of the world, with numerous global sections and biostratigraphic zonation schemes
Index fossils, particularly graptolites and conodonts, play a crucial role in the correlation and dating of Ordovician strata
Global Ordovician sections
Ordovician strata are exposed in many regions worldwide, providing a comprehensive record of the period's geological and biological events
Important global Ordovician sections include the Arenig-Llanvirn succession in Wales, the Ordovician-Silurian boundary section in Scotland, and the Ordovician-Silurian boundary stratotype in China
These sections serve as reference points for the global correlation of Ordovician strata and the establishment of a standard chronostratigraphic framework
Biostratigraphic zonation
Biostratigraphic zonation is the division of stratigraphic sections into zones based on the presence of specific fossil assemblages
Ordovician biostratigraphic zonation schemes rely heavily on the distribution of graptolites and conodonts, which evolved rapidly and had widespread geographic ranges
Graptolite biozones, such as the Tetragraptus approximatus and Nemagraptus gracilis zones, are widely used for the correlation of Ordovician strata
Conodont biozones, such as the Amorphognathus tvaerensis and Amorphognathus superbus zones, provide high-resolution dating of Ordovician sections
Index fossils of Ordovician
Index fossils are species with short stratigraphic ranges and wide geographic distributions that are used for the correlation and dating of rock layers
Graptolites are among the most important index fossils of the Ordovician, with numerous species used for biostratigraphic zonation
Conodonts, which are the tooth-like elements of extinct jawless vertebrates, are also valuable index fossils due to their rapid evolution and widespread distribution
Other important Ordovician index fossils include certain trilobite and brachiopod species, as well as some microfossil groups such as acritarchs and chitinozoans
Economic resources of Ordovician
Ordovician strata are important sources of various economic resources, including oil, gas, and mineral deposits
The presence of these resources is related to the depositional environments and geological processes that occurred during the Ordovician period
The exploration and extraction of Ordovician resources have significant implications for the energy and mining industries
Ordovician oil and gas
Ordovician strata are important sources of oil and gas in several regions worldwide, particularly in North America and the Middle East
The Ordovician Utica Shale in the Appalachian Basin of the United States is a major unconventional oil and gas play, with significant reserves of hydrocarbons
In the Middle East, Ordovician sandstone reservoirs, such as the Sarah Formation in Saudi Arabia, are important sources of oil and gas
The presence of oil and gas in Ordovician strata is related to the deposition of organic-rich sediments in shallow marine environments and their subsequent burial and thermal maturation
Mineral deposits in Ordovician
Ordovician strata host a variety of mineral deposits, including lead-zinc ores, phosphates, and industrial minerals
Lead-zinc deposits, such as those in the Mississippi Valley-type districts of the United States, are associated with the circulation of hydrothermal fluids through Ordovician carbonate rocks
Phosphate deposits, which are important sources of fertilizers, are found in Ordovician strata in several regions, including the Baltic States and the Middle East
Industrial minerals, such as limestone and dolomite, are extracted from Ordovician strata for use in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing
The formation of these mineral deposits is related to the depositional environments and diagenetic processes that affected Ordovician sediments
Key Terms to Review (28)
Avalonia: Avalonia refers to a geological microcontinent that played a significant role during the Paleozoic era, particularly during the Ordovician period. This landmass was part of the larger Gondwana supercontinent before it began drifting northward, contributing to the complex tectonic history and paleogeography of the time. Avalonia was characterized by its diverse geology and fossil record, providing vital insights into the marine life and environmental conditions of the Ordovician period.
Baltica: Baltica refers to a geological continental fragment that includes parts of present-day Northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia and the eastern Baltic region. It played a significant role during the Cambrian and Ordovician periods as it was part of the ancient supercontinent Pannotia and later involved in the assembly of Gondwana, contributing to important paleogeographic and biological developments during these eras.
Biozone: A biozone is a stratigraphic unit defined by the presence of specific fossil species within a particular rock layer, helping geologists and paleontologists correlate the age of strata across different locations. Biozones are crucial for understanding the distribution of organisms in time and space, and they are particularly useful in biostratigraphy for dating rock layers and correlating fossil records. By identifying biozones, scientists can gain insights into past environmental conditions and the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
Brachiopods: Brachiopods are marine animals with hard shells on the upper and lower surfaces, resembling clams but belonging to a different phylum. They were incredibly diverse and abundant in ancient seas, especially during early geological periods, and their fossils provide crucial insights into past marine environments and the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
Charles D. Walcott: Charles D. Walcott was an American paleontologist known for his significant contributions to the study of fossils and the understanding of prehistoric life during the early 20th century. His work primarily focused on the Cambrian period, particularly the Burgess Shale, where he discovered a wealth of well-preserved fossils that provided insights into early marine ecosystems, marking a pivotal moment in paleontological research during the Ordovician period.
Cincinnatian Series: The Cincinnatian Series refers to a geological sequence of rock layers from the Upper Ordovician period, characterized by diverse marine fossils and significant paleontological sites located in the Cincinnati region of the United States. This series is critical for understanding the marine ecosystems of the time, showcasing a variety of organisms such as brachiopods, bryozoans, and trilobites, which thrived in shallow seas. The fossil record from this series provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history during the Late Ordovician.
David G. McKinnon: David G. McKinnon is a prominent paleontologist known for his contributions to the understanding of Ordovician marine ecosystems and the evolution of early life forms. His research has significantly advanced knowledge about the diversity and distribution of Ordovician fossils, providing insights into the ecological dynamics of this period.
Early ordovician: 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.
End-Ordovician mass extinction: The end-Ordovician mass extinction was a significant event that occurred around 444 million years ago, marking the second-largest extinction event in Earth's history. This extinction event led to the loss of about 85% of marine species, drastically altering the biodiversity of the planet and impacting ecosystems for millions of years. It was primarily caused by a combination of rapid climate changes, including a severe ice age, and associated drops in sea levels, which disrupted marine habitats.
Fossil correlation: Fossil correlation is the method of matching rock layers from different locations based on the fossils they contain. This technique helps geologists and paleontologists establish the relative ages of rock formations and understand the historical sequence of life on Earth. By identifying specific fossils, scientists can correlate layers and construct a clearer picture of geological history, including major events like mass extinctions or changes in climate.
Glaciation: Glaciation refers to the process where large areas of land are covered by ice sheets or glaciers, significantly altering the landscape and climate over time. This phenomenon has played a crucial role in shaping Earth's geology and biodiversity, influencing sea levels, sediment transport, and even species evolution. Throughout history, glaciations have been associated with major geological periods, leading to significant ecological changes and extinction events.
Gondwana: Gondwana was a supercontinent that existed from the Late Precambrian to the Jurassic period, comprising landmasses that are now part of Africa, South America, Antarctica, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. This massive landmass played a crucial role in shaping the geological and biological history of Earth, particularly influencing the evolution and distribution of species during various geological periods.
Great ordovician biodiversification event: The great Ordovician biodiversification event refers to a significant increase in the diversity of marine life that occurred during the Ordovician period, approximately 485 to 444 million years ago. This event saw the emergence and rapid diversification of various groups of organisms, such as brachiopods, bivalves, trilobites, and the first coral reefs, marking a critical expansion in the complexity of marine ecosystems.
Hirnantian Stage: The Hirnantian Stage is the last stage of the Ordovician Period, occurring around 445 to 443 million years ago. It is characterized by a significant drop in sea levels and a dramatic global cooling event that led to one of the largest mass extinctions in Earth's history. This stage marks the transition from the Ordovician to the Silurian Period and is crucial for understanding both paleoclimatic conditions and biodiversity during this time.
Iapetus Ocean: The Iapetus Ocean was an ancient ocean that existed during the Paleozoic Era, primarily between the Cambrian and Ordovician periods. It played a crucial role in the geological history of the Earth, particularly in the formation and separation of ancient landmasses that eventually became North America, Europe, and parts of Africa. This ocean is significant for understanding the plate tectonic processes that shaped these continents.
Late Ordovician: The Late Ordovician is a geological time frame that marks the final stage of the Ordovician period, occurring approximately 450 to 443 million years ago. This era is known for its diverse marine life, significant geological changes, and one of the largest mass extinctions in Earth's history, shaping the evolutionary trajectory of life during the Paleozoic era.
Laurentia: Laurentia is a historical geological landmass that forms the ancient core of North America, primarily consisting of parts of what is now Canada and the northern United States. This cratonic region played a crucial role during the Cambrian and Ordovician periods, serving as a stable platform for sedimentation and biological evolution during these pivotal eras in Earth's history.
Llandovery: Llandovery is an age within the Silurian period, dating from approximately 443 to 433 million years ago. It marks a significant time in Earth's history, characterized by the diversification of marine life and the appearance of early terrestrial plants. The Llandovery age is essential for understanding the evolution of organisms during this era, as well as changes in climate and sea levels.
Mass extinction: Mass extinction refers to a significant and rapid decline in the biodiversity of life on Earth, characterized by the loss of a large number of species over a relatively short geological time frame. This phenomenon often reshapes ecosystems and paves the way for new species to emerge, marking important transitions in the history of life.
Middle Ordovician: The Middle Ordovician is a subdivision of the Ordovician period, which occurred approximately 458 to 444 million years ago. This time frame is significant for the evolution and diversification of marine life, including the proliferation of brachiopods, bryozoans, and early fish. The Middle Ordovician represents a crucial time in Earth's history where dramatic geological changes influenced biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
Ordovician period: The Ordovician period is a significant geological time frame that occurred approximately 485 to 443 million years ago, following the Cambrian period and preceding the Silurian period. It is marked by a rapid diversification of marine life and the establishment of complex ecosystems, setting the stage for major evolutionary developments, including the rise of early fish and diverse invertebrate groups.
Paleozoic Era: The Paleozoic Era is a significant geological time period that spanned from approximately 541 million years ago to about 252 million years ago, marking the dawn of complex life on Earth. It is characterized by the emergence and diversification of various life forms, including the first vertebrates, insects, and land plants, setting the stage for the evolutionary developments that followed in later eras. The Paleozoic is divided into several periods, each showcasing distinct biological and geological changes, including the Ordovician period, known for its rich marine life and significant evolutionary milestones.
Panthalassic Ocean: The Panthalassic Ocean was a vast ocean that existed during the late Precambrian and early Paleozoic eras, encompassing nearly all of the Earth's surface water and surrounding the supercontinent Pannotia and later Pangaea. This ocean played a crucial role in shaping marine biodiversity and global climate patterns during its existence, particularly influencing the Ordovician and Permian periods.
Shallow marine environments: Shallow marine environments are coastal and oceanic zones where water depths typically range from a few meters to around 200 meters, allowing sunlight to penetrate and support various forms of life. These areas play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, sedimentation processes, and provide habitats for diverse marine organisms, influencing geological formations and paleontological records.
Siberia: Siberia is a vast region in Russia, covering much of northern Asia, known for its harsh climate, dense forests, and diverse ecosystems. It plays a significant role in understanding the geological and paleontological history of the Earth, particularly during ancient periods like the Cambrian and Ordovician, when it was part of the supercontinent Gondwana and experienced significant environmental changes.
Trilobites: Trilobites were marine arthropods that thrived during the Paleozoic era, known for their three-lobed body structure and diversity of forms. They are often considered one of the earliest complex life forms and play a crucial role in understanding evolutionary history, particularly during major geological events and periods.
Tropical reef systems: Tropical reef systems are diverse marine ecosystems characterized by coral reefs, which are formed from calcium carbonate structures produced by coral polyps. These ecosystems provide critical habitats for a multitude of marine species, contributing significantly to biodiversity and offering essential services like coastal protection and tourism opportunities. Their health is closely linked to water temperature, salinity, and sunlight, making them sensitive to environmental changes.
Warm climate: A warm climate refers to a region characterized by higher average temperatures throughout the year, typically promoting lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems. In the context of geological periods, such as the Ordovician, warm climates influenced the types of flora and fauna that thrived, as well as the overall biodiversity and ecological dynamics of the time.