Middle Devonian

The Middle Devonian epoch was a time long ago, from about 393 million to 382 million years ago, during the larger Devonian period. It came after the Emsian age and was an important time for Earth.

The Middle Devonian is split into two main stages called the Eifelian and the Givetian. These stages help scientists study the rocks and fossils from this time. By looking at these layers, we can learn about the ancient oceans, climates, and the new plants and animals that were appearing on Earth.

Life in the Middle Devonian

During the Middle Devonian, jawless fish called ostracoderms were less common. Jawed fish became more diverse and thrived in oceans and freshwater. These warm, shallow waters helped early fish develop important traits, such as lungs and the ability to move out of water for short periods.

The earliest forest appeared in the Middle Devonian, during the Eifelian time. These forests were made up of cladoxylopsid trees, including Calamophyton.