There is evidence to support the changes in life forms over Earth's history (additions and extinctions) are often accompanied by changes in environmental conditions on Earth. Impacts, climate changes, and volcanism can produce sudden and rapid changes to environmental conditions. Many organisms cannot adapt to these sudden and rapid changes resulting in the extinction of those species. When these events are global in nature then mass extinctions occur.
Climate Changes
Earth's environments have many different climates even today. Climate is an ever-changing condition of Earth.
- Earliest life forms were influenced by the climates produced by the forming atmosphere and oceans of Earth.
- Life on land developed and flourished in the tropical climates and warm shallow seas during the Paleozoic Era. Throughout this era as different land environments formed and sea levels changed, new life forms developed. Other life forms that could not adapt or find suitable conditions, especially many marine species, went extinct.
- During the Mesozoic Era, many climate changes occurred due to plate tectonics and the movement of landmasses. Plants and animals that survived through this time had structures and systems that allowed for greater adaptations, such as seed coverings for plants or animals that were able to maintain a constant internal temperature.
Climate Changes During the Current Cenozoic Era of Earth's History
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Topic Tips
- The global climate has been changing throughout Earth's history.
- The current Cenozoic Era of Earth's history has been typically associated with many ice ages in comparison to previous era's of Earth's history.
- Many factors can contribute to climate changes including impact events, volcanic activity, even organisms such as bacteria, plants or..... humans.
- Many organisms in Earth's past have failed to adapt to rapid climate changes as a result of catastrophic events.