The Carboniferous is a geological period that occurred approximately 359 to 299 million years ago. It is known for its vast forests of ferns, horsetails, and lycopods, which contributed to the formation of extensive coal deposits. This period is divided into two main epochs: the Mississippian and the Pennsylvanian. During the Carboniferous, the Earth's climate was warm and humid, supporting diverse ecosystems. The period saw the evolution of early amphibians and the first reptiles, marking significant steps in the transition from water to land. The Carboniferous is crucial for understanding the development of life on Earth.