The Permian period, during which the first most modern orders of insects appeared, occurred approximately

Options

A. 80 million years ago
B. 150 million years ago
C. 280 million years ago
D. 550 million years ago

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Period**: The question asks about the Permian period, which is a significant geological time frame in Earth's history.

2. **Determine the Time Frame of the Permian Period**: The Permian period is part of the Paleozoic era and lasted from approximately 286 million years ago to 245 million years ago.

3. **Modern Orders of Insects**: The question specifies that the first modern orders of insects appeared during the Permian period. This is an important detail as it helps to narrow down the time frame.

4. **Analyze the Options**: The options given are:
- 80 million years ago
- 150 million years ago to 80 million years ago
- 550 million years ago

5. **Compare Options with Permian Period Dates**: The Permian period dates (286 million to 245 million years ago) do not match any of the provided options directly. However, the closest option to the end of the Permian period is 80 million years ago, which is not correct.

6. **Conclude the Correct Answer**: Since the question asks for the approximate time when the first modern orders of insects appeared, and the Permian period is recognized to have ended around 245 million years ago, the correct answer is that the Permian period occurred approximately 286 million years ago.

**Final Answer**: The Permian period, during which the first modern orders of insects appeared, occurred approximately 286 million years ago.

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