The Paleozoic

Question 1

Which periods subdivide the Paleozoic era?

Answer 1

Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian

Question 2

What is the approximate timeframe of the Paleozoic period?

Answer 2

542Ma to 251Ma

Question 3

By approximately what point had the Iapetus Ocean closed?

Answer 3

By the early Devonian Period, approx 390Ma

Question 4

Where are Cambrian and Ordovician rocks commonly found in Britain, what type is most common?

Answer 4

High ground areas such as the Lake District and North wales - usually Volcanic

Question 5

What major event was caused by the closing of the Iapetus Ocean?

Answer 5

The Caledonian Orogeny

Question 6

By when is Pangea mostly formed?

Answer 6

Late Carboniferous, definitely by the start of the Permian 299Ma

Question 7

What rock types are generally typical of the early Paleozoic periods (Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian)?

Answer 7

Mudstones, Volcanics, Shales

Question 8

What rock types are generally typical of the later Paleozoic periods (Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian)?

Answer 8

Sandstones, Limestones, Gritstones

Question 9

What are the main key events/conditions of the Cambrian Period?

Answer 9

Explosion of life (Cambrian Explosion)
Rising sea levels

Question 10

What are the main key events/conditions of the Ordovician Period?

Answer 10

Increased Magmatism
A major extinction event at the very end of the period - 85%

Question 11

What are the main key events/conditions of the Silurian Period?

Answer 11

Caledonian Orogeny

Question 12

What are the main key events/conditions of the Devonian Period?

Answer 12

Reduction in continents
Sea level falls

Question 13

What are the main key events/conditions of the Carboniferous Period?

Answer 13

UK in tropical conditions
Hercyninian orogeny

Question 14

What are the main key events/conditions of the Permian Period?

Answer 14

Super continent of Pangea
Britain is north of the Equator
Major extinction event at the very end, 95%