The Permian Period is a significant geological time span, beginning approximately 298 million years ago and ending about 252 million years ago. It is known for exceptional diversification and extinction events that had a profound impact on the evolution of life on Earth. While the term "Permian Period" is commonly used, there are a few synonyms that can be used interchangeably, such as the "Pisgahan Epoch," "Herring Epoch," and "Guadelupian Epoch," among others. These terms are typically used by specialists in the field of geology and paleontology and help to clarify the specific time periods within the broader Permian time span.