The Late Ordovician is a geological period that occurred approximately 458 to 444 million years ago, marking the final stage of the Ordovician period. This time was characterized by a diverse marine ecosystem, with abundant corals, brachiopods, and trilobites. The climate was generally warm, and sea levels were high, leading to extensive shallow seas. During the Late Ordovician, significant geological events took place, including the formation of the Appalachian Mountains. This period ended with one of the largest mass extinctions in Earth's history, which wiped out nearly 85% of marine species, significantly altering the course of life on the planet.