Penofalowian

Penofalowian is a term used to describe the geological period that occurred approximately 485.4 million to 470 million years ago. It is the second epoch of the Ordovician Period, which itself is the second of the six periods in the Paleozoic Era. The Penofalowian is characterized by significant changes in the Earth's climate and the evolution of life on the planet.

During the Penofalowian, the Earth experienced a period of glaciation known as the Hirnantian glaciation, which occurred at the end of the epoch. This glaciation had a profound impact on marine life, leading to a mass extinction event that wiped out many species. Despite this, the Penofalowian also saw the emergence of new species and the diversification of existing ones.

The Penofalowian is named after the Penofalow Formation, a geological formation found in the Welsh Borderland of England and Wales. The formation is known for its diverse fossil record, which includes a variety of marine organisms such as trilobites, brachiopods, and corals. The fossils found in the Penofalow Formation have provided valuable insights into the life and environment of the Penofalowian Period.