Parthalassa refers to a hypothetical ancient ocean that is believed to have existed on Earth during the late Precambrian and early Paleozoic eras. It is thought to have surrounded the supercontinent Gondwana and possibly contributed to the formation of the modern oceans as tectonic plates drifted apart. The term is often used in geological discussions to describe the paleoenvironmental conditions of that time. However, it remains a concept primarily based on geological and paleontological interpretations rather than direct evidence.