Ordovician Period

The Ordovician Period, occurring roughly 485 to 444 million years ago, was a key era in Earth's history marked by high sea levels and diverse marine life. During this time, complex marine ecosystems flourished, featuring many species of coral, mollusks, and the first vertebrates like fish. The Earth's continents were mostly located near the equator, creating warm, shallow seas that encouraged life. The period ended with a major ice age and one of the largest mass extinctions, drastically reducing biodiversity. Overall, the Ordovician played a crucial role in shaping early marine ecosystems and Earth's biological history.