Paleozoic Era

Silurian Period

444–419 Million Years Ago

The Silurian Period saw life recover from the end-Ordovician extinction. Coral reefs expanded, and the first jawed fish (gnathostomes) appeared — a landmark evolutionary innovation. On land, the first vascular plants began colonizing coastal environments, setting the stage for terrestrial ecosystems.

Environment

Climate & Environment

Warm and stable, with rising sea levels. The end-Ordovician glaciation had ended, and greenhouse conditions returned.

Fauna & Flora

Signature Life Forms

First jawed fish (acanthodians, placoderms)

Expansion of coral reefs

First vascular land plants (Cooksonia)

Giant sea scorpions (eurypterids)

silurian

paleozoic