Dr. Garcia is excavating a site looking for a new prehistoric species to add to the fossil record. She believes that she has found the earliest land animal. Using your Geologic Time Scale, in what time period would this new species have lived?
A.
Cambrian
B.
Silurian
C.
Devonian
D.
Permian
C. Devonian
To determine the time period in which the new species might have lived, we can analyze the options provided in relation to the Geologic Time Scale. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of each time period:
A. Cambrian: The Cambrian period occurred approximately 541-485 million years ago. During this time, the Earth experienced a rapid diversification of life forms, including the appearance of many animal phyla. However, it is important to note that the earliest land animals had not yet evolved during this period.
B. Silurian: The Silurian period took place around 443-419 million years ago. This period is notable for the colonization of land by plants and the subsequent appearance of early terrestrial arthropods, such as spiders, scorpions, and millipedes. However, the earliest land animal is not typically associated with this time period.
C. Devonian: The Devonian period occurred approximately 419-359 million years ago. Often referred to as the "Age of Fishes," this period saw the diversification of fish in marine environments. It is worth noting that the first amphibians, which represent the earliest land animals, appeared during the late Devonian period. Therefore, this period is a potential candidate for the new species.
D. Permian: The Permian period lasted from approximately 299-252 million years ago. It is known for its diverse range of organisms, including early reptiles and the emergence of mammal-like creatures. However, by this time, the earliest land animals had already evolved, making the Permian period less likely to be associated with the new species.
Based on the above analysis, the most likely time period for the new species that Dr. Garcia has discovered would be C. Devonian, which saw the emergence of the earliest land animals in the late stages of this period.