Cambrian explosion PPT 2 Flashcardizz

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What is the Precambrian era?

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The Precambrian era is the earliest part of Earth's history, covering about 90% of the geological time scale, before the Cambrian period.

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What significant event is associated with the Cambrian explosion?

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The Cambrian explosion refers to a rapid diversification of life forms that occurred approximately 541 million years ago, marking the beginning of the Paleozoic era.

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Who discovered the Burgess Shale stratum?

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Charles Walcott discovered the Burgess Shale stratum in 1909, which provided crucial evidence for the Cambrian explosion.

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What does 'punctuated equilibrium' mean in evolutionary biology?

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Punctuated equilibrium is a theory proposed by Stephen Jay Gould that suggests evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability.

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When did the Paleozoic era end?

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The Paleozoic era ended approximately 250 million years ago.

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Where did life evolve during the Precambrian era?

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All life during the Precambrian era evolved and lived in water.

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What percentage of Earth's history does the Precambrian era represent?

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The Precambrian era represents about 90% of Earth's history.

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What is the significance of the Burgess Shale?

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The Burgess Shale is significant because it contains well-preserved fossils that provide insight into early Cambrian life and the diversity of organisms.

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What is gradualism in the context of evolution?

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Gradualism is the idea that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over long periods of time.

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What are mass extinctions?

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Mass extinctions are events in Earth's history when a significant percentage of species go extinct in a relatively short period of time.