What era in geologic time is characterized by the dominance of invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, ferns, and cone-bearing trees?

The correct answer is the Paleozoic Era, which spans from approximately 541 to 252 million years ago. This era is notable for significant developments in biological diversity, particularly the dominance of invertebrates, such as trilobites and brachiopods, as well as the first appearances of vertebrates, including various fishes. The Paleozoic is divided into several periods, throughout which life diversified dramatically.

Ferns and cone-bearing trees flourished during this time, marking important stages in plant evolution. The transition of life from water to land occurred in this era, leading to the emergence of amphibians, which were among the first vertebrates to adapt to terrestrial environments. The dominance of reptiles towards the end of this era also laid the groundwork for the subsequent Mesozoic Era, often referred to as the "Age of Reptiles."

The other geological eras mentioned have distinct characteristics that differ from the features associated with the Paleozoic. The Cenozoic Era is characterized primarily by the rise of mammals and birds after the extinction of the dinosaurs. The Mesozoic Era is recognized for its dominance of dinosaurs and flowering plants. The Precambrian Era, which predates the Paleozoic, primarily encompasses the development of