Cryogenian period
The Cryogenian Period, lasting from about 720 to 635 million years ago, is known for its severe ice ages, where Earth experienced extensive glaciation, possibly covering much of the planet. This time was marked by extreme cold and thick ice sheets, leading to drastic changes in the environment. It is believed that these ice ages played a crucial role in shaping the planet's climate and fostering the development of early complex life. The period ended with the melting of these glaciers, paving the way for the emergence of diverse life forms in the later Ediacaran Period.
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The Cryogenian period, occurring about 720 to 635 million years ago, is a time in Earth's history marked by severe global cooling. During this period, it is believed that the planet experienced widespread glaciation, with ice sheets possibly reaching the equator, leading to a "Snowball Earth" scenario. This extreme climate severely impacted life, which was primarily microscopic and aquatic. The Cryogenian is significant because it set the stage for the evolution of more complex life forms, as conditions eventually warmed up, leading to the Ediacaran period and paving the way for the Cambrian explosion of diverse life.