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 archaeocyathids, which were marine invertebrates related to sponges. In contrast, during the Ordovician period, the major reef-building organisms included bryozoans, brachiopods, and corals such as rugose and tabulate corals. Ordovician reefs displayed higher levels of complexity and diversity compared to Cambrian reefs.

Step by step solution

Research Cambrian Reef-Building Organisms

To answer the question, first, we need to find out the organisms responsible for forming reefs during the Cambrian period. The Cambrian period is an important part of geological history as it marks a critical point in the development and diversification of life on Earth, particularly in marine environments.

Identify Cambrian Reef-Building Organisms

During the Cambrian period, around 540-485 million years ago, the dominant reef-building organisms were archaeocyathids. Archaeocyathids were marine invertebrates related to sponges that formed the first known complex coral-like reefs.

Research Ordovician Reef-Building Organisms

Next, we need to find out the organisms responsible for forming reefs during the Ordovician period. Ordovician is the second period of the Paleozoic Era, and it's characterized by diversification and expansion of marine organisms.

Identify Ordovician Reef-Building Organisms

During the Ordovician period, between 485-443 million years ago, the major reef-building organisms were bryozoans, brachiopods, and corals, including rugose corals and tabulate corals. Ordovician reefs displayed a higher level of complexity and diversity in comparison to Cambrian reefs. In conclusion:

Present Findings

During the Cambrian period, archaeocyathids were the primary reef-building organisms. In contrast, during the Ordovician period, several organisms, such as bryozoans, brachiopods, and different types of corals (rugose and tabulate corals), were responsible for building reefs.

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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

Research Cambrian Reef-Building Organisms

Identify Cambrian Reef-Building Organisms

Research Ordovician Reef-Building Organisms

Identify Ordovician Reef-Building Organisms

Present Findings

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