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Multiple Choice
Which of the following types of life first appeared or diversified significantly during the Paleozoic Era?
A
Bacteria and archaea
B
Flowering plants and mammals
C
Dinosaurs and birds
D
Marine invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and early reptiles
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the Paleozoic Era: The Paleozoic Era spans approximately 541 to 252 million years ago and is characterized by significant evolutionary events, including the diversification of life forms in marine and terrestrial environments.
Recognize the types of life that existed before the Paleozoic Era: Bacteria and archaea are ancient life forms that existed long before the Paleozoic Era, so they are not the correct answer.
Identify the types of life that appeared after the Paleozoic Era: Flowering plants, mammals, dinosaurs, and birds diversified during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras, which followed the Paleozoic Era. These are not relevant to the question.
Focus on the life forms that diversified during the Paleozoic Era: Marine invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and early reptiles are key groups that first appeared or diversified significantly during this era. This includes events like the Cambrian Explosion and the transition of vertebrates to land.
Conclude that the correct answer is marine invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and early reptiles, as these groups are historically tied to the evolutionary milestones of the Paleozoic Era.