Chapter 13: Problem 4

What kinds of organisms formed reefs in Cambrian time? What kinds of organisms performed this role during the Ordovician?

Short Answer

Expert verified

During the Cambrian period, the primary reef-building organisms were the Archaeocyathids, which were sponge-like marine organisms with calcareous skeletons. In the Ordovician period, the leading organisms responsible for reef formation were the Bryozoans, small colonial marine invertebrates, and early corals like Tabulate and Rugose corals.

Step by step solution

1. Background information about Cambrian and Ordovician periods.

The Cambrian period occurred around 541-485 million years ago, and it marks the beginning of the Paleozoic era. During this time, life diversified rapidly, and many new animal groups appeared. The Ordovician period followed the Cambrian period and lasted from 485-443 million years ago. The Ordovician saw the rise of new ecosystems, significant diversification of life, and the formation of large coral reefs.

2. Organisms forming reefs during the Cambrian period.

During the Cambrian period, most marine life forms lacked the ability to build reefs. However, one group of organisms was able to form small, isolated reefs structures - these were the Archaeocyathids. Archaeocyathids were sessile marine organisms with a calcerous skeleton. They were a sponge-like species and played a significant role as reef-builders in the Cambrian period.

3. Organisms performing this role during the Ordovician period.

In the Ordovician period, the leading organism responsible for reef formation was the Bryozoans. Bryozoans are small, colonial, and sessile marine invertebrates that form large skeletal structures. They secrete calcium carbonate to build their exoskeleton, which contributes to reef formation. Additionally, Tabulate and Rugose corals, two types of now-extinct coral, also played a significant role in forming reefs during the Ordovician period. In summary, during the Cambrian period, the primary reef-building organisms were the Archaeocyathids, while in the Ordovician period, it was the Bryozoans and the early corals (Tabulate and Rugose) that took on the role of forming reefs.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

What kinds of organisms formed reefs in Cambrian time? What kinds of organisms performed this role during the Ordovician?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Background information about Cambrian and Ordovician periods.

2. Organisms forming reefs during the Cambrian period.

3. Organisms performing this role during the Ordovician period.

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Challenges In The Human Environment

Health And Human Rights

Superpowers of the World

Geographical Skills

Globalisation

Living World

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.