geogical time line
Geological timeline:
1. Formation of Earth - 4.6 billion years ago: The Earth is believed to have formed from the dust and gas present in the early Solar System.
2. Pre-Cambrian Era - 4.6 billion to 540 million years ago: This era represents about 90% of Earth's history and is divided into three eons: Hadean, Archean, and Proterozoic. During this time, the Earth underwent the formation of its crust, the evolution of early life forms, and the development of the atmosphere.
3. Paleozoic Era - 540 to 251 million years ago: This era is characterized by the emergence of life in the oceans. Major events include the colonization of land by plants and animals, the evolution of fish, reptiles, and the first insects, and the mass extinction event at the end of the era known as the Permian-Triassic extinction.
4. Mesozoic Era - 251 to 65 million years ago: Often referred to as the "Age of Dinosaurs," this era saw the dominance and diversification of dinosaurs. It is further divided into three periods: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. The Mesozoic Era ended with the mass extinction event known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction, which wiped out the dinosaurs.
5. Cenozoic Era - 65 million years ago to present: This is the current geological era and is divided into two periods: Paleogene and Neogene. It witnessed the diversification of mammals, the rise of modern humans, and the development of Earth's current climate patterns. The Cenozoic Era is still ongoing.
It's important to note that these time divisions can vary slightly depending on the specific geological standard used for dating.