Question

6. The Paleozoic era started 550 million years ago. A. What event marks the beginning of the Paleozoic era? (3 points)

B. What event marks the end of the Paleozoic era? (3 points)

c. What evidence do we have to support these theories? (3 points)

Answer 1

The Paleozoic Era started with the Cambrian explosion and ended with the Permian extinction. Evidence includes the appearance of diverse and complex fossils at around 541 million years ago and the dramatic decline in species at the end of the era found in geological records.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Paleozoic Era

The Paleozoic Era is known for its significant geological, climatic, and evolutionary developments. It is an era within the Phanerozoic Eon and spans from approximately 541 to 252 million years ago.

A. Beginning of the Paleozoic Era

The Paleozoic Era started off with an event called the Cambrian explosion, which is characterized by a rapid diversification and increase in the complexity of life. This event marks a distinct rise in the number and variety of living organisms, particularly multicellular ones, in the fossil record.

B. End of the Paleozoic Era

The era came to an end with the Permian extinction, which is considered the largest mass extinction event in Earth's history. The extinction led to a significant reduction in biodiversity, affecting many marine and terrestrial organisms.

C. Evidence Supporting These Events

Evidence for the Cambrian explosion comes from the sudden appearance of complex and diversified fossils in rocks that are about 541 million years old. Similarly, geological and fossil records indicate a dramatic decline in species towards the end of the Paleozoic, supporting the occurrence of the Permian extinction.

Answer 2

A. The beginning of the Paleozoic era is marked by the Cambrian explosion, which is a rapid diversification of life forms in the oceans.

B. The end of the Paleozoic era is marked by the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which is the largest mass extinction event in Earth's history, resulting in the loss of about 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species.

C. There is fossil evidence that supports both the Cambrian explosion and the Permian-Triassic extinction event. The Cambrian explosion is supported by the sudden appearance of a diverse array of complex animal fossils in the rock record. The Permian-Triassic extinction event is supported by the disappearance of many fossil species in the rock record and the appearance of new species after the extinction event. Additionally, there is geological evidence of climate change, ocean acidification, and volcanic activity associated with the Permian-Triassic extinction event.

Step-by-step explanation: