The Carboniferous

The Carboniferous, spanning roughly 358 to 298 million years ago, was a period of extensive swampy forests and diverse ecosystems. During this time, large plants like ferns and tree-sized lycopods thrived, accumulating so much organic material that, over millions of years, it transformed into vast coal deposits we use today. The era saw significant evolution of insects, amphibians, and early reptiles, alongside the formation of many of Earth’s current landforms. Climate was warm and humid initially, supporting lush vegetation, before gradually cooling, leading to the decline of swamp forests and the transition to other dominant environments.