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HomeHomework HelpbiologyCambrian Explosion

Cambrian Explosion

The Cambrian explosion refers to a significant period in the early Paleozoic era, approximately 541 million years ago, during which there was a rapid diversification of multicellular animal life, leading to the emergence of most major animal phyla. This event is characterized by the appearance of complex organisms with hard body parts and various ecological roles in marine environments.

intermediate
2 hours
Biology
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Overview

The Cambrian Explosion represents a pivotal moment in the history of life on Earth, occurring approximately 541 million years ago. This period is marked by a rapid increase in the diversity of animal life, with many major groups emerging, including trilobites and early vertebrates. The fossil record...

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Key Terms

Biodiversity
The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat.

Example: Coral reefs are known for their high biodiversity.

Phylum
A level of classification in biology that groups together organisms with similar characteristics.

Example: Chordata is the phylum that includes vertebrates.

Fossilization
The process by which organic material is preserved as fossils.

Example: Fossilization can occur through mineralization.

Trilobite
An extinct marine arthropod that was abundant during the Cambrian period.

Example: Trilobites are often found in Cambrian rock layers.

Ecological Niche
The role and position a species has in its environment.

Example: The ecological niche of a predator includes hunting and feeding habits.

Burgess Shale
A famous fossil field in Canada that provides a wealth of Cambrian fossils.

Example: The Burgess Shale has revealed many soft-bodied organisms.

Related Topics

Ordovician Period
The period following the Cambrian, known for further diversification of marine life.
intermediate
Evolutionary Biology
The study of the processes that produced the diversity of life on Earth.
advanced
Paleoecology
The study of ancient ecosystems and their interactions.
intermediate
Geological Time Scale
A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time.
beginner

Key Concepts

BiodiversityEvolutionFossil RecordEcological Niches