Final answer:
The Copernican Period is characterized by significant volcanic activity and represents a phase in Earth's history where the planets and moons began to develop along their distinct evolutionary paths.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Copernican Period (1.1 Ga - present) is characterized by significant volcanic activity. This period followed the dissipation of the solar system's dust disk and saw the planets cool and start to assume their present aspects. After a period marked by giant impacts ending about 4.4 billion years ago, the terrestrial planets and moons began their own evolutionary paths. The nature of their evolution depended on composition, mass, and proximity to the Sun, with Earth experiencing geologic upheaval and volcanic activity.