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)
