The Cambrian Period, which occurred 55 million years ago, is renowned for the evolutionary “explosion” that led to the emergence of vertebrates. Preceded by the Precambrian Eon, the Cambrian Period represents an important era in Earth’s history. The term “Cambrian” was first coined in 1836 by English scientist Adam Sedgwick, who derived it from the historical name for Wales, Cambria. This name originates from the Welsh self-designation Cymru, ultimately stemming from Proto-Celtic mrogis meaning “country” and Proto-Indo-European morg meaning “border”. The use of the term “Cambrian Period” has gained popularity over the centuries, notably through the work of palaeontologist Stephen Jay Gould’s 1989 book Wonderful Life.
