Formation of the Earth
Approximately 4.5 billion years ago, the Earth formed from the solar nebula, marking the beginning of geological history and the timeline of Eras geologicas.
Hadean Eon Begins
The Hadean Eon, lasting until about 4 billion years ago, is characterized by the formation of the Earth's crust and the early atmosphere, setting the stage for future Eras geologicas.
Formation of the First Oceans
Around 4 billion years ago, the Earth's surface cooled, allowing water vapor to condense and form the first oceans, a crucial development in the timeline of Eras geologicas.
Archean Eon Begins
The Archean Eon, starting around 4 billion years ago, saw the emergence of the first simple life forms, primarily prokaryotic organisms, marking a significant point in the Eras geologicas.
Stromatolites and Photosynthesis
By about 2.5 billion years ago, stromatolites, layered structures formed by microbial communities, became prevalent, indicating the rise of photosynthesis in the Eras geologicas.
Proterozoic Eon Begins
The Proterozoic Eon began around 2.5 billion years ago and lasted until about 540 million years ago, characterized by the buildup of atmospheric oxygen and the emergence of multicellular life in the timeline of Eras geologicas.
Cambrian Explosion
Around 541 million years ago, the Cambrian Explosion marked a rapid diversification of life in the oceans, leading to the development of many major groups of animals in the Paleozoic Era of Eras geologicas.
Ordovician Period Begins
The Ordovician Period, starting around 485 million years ago, is known for the diversification of marine life and the first appearance of land plants, a significant event in the timeline of Eras geologicas.
Devonian Period: Age of Fishes
The Devonian Period, beginning around 419 million years ago, is often referred to as the "Age of Fishes," highlighting the dominance of fish in the oceans during this period of the Paleozoic Era of Eras geologicas.
Permian Period and Mass Extinction
The Permian Period, lasting until about 252 million years ago, ended with the largest mass extinction in Earth's history, significantly shaping the subsequent Mesozoic Era in the timeline of Eras geologicas.
Mesozoic Era Begins
The Mesozoic Era, known as the "Age of Reptiles," began around 252 million years ago and is marked by the dominance of dinosaurs and the development of flowering plants in the timeline of Eras geologicas.
Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction Event
Approximately 66 million years ago, the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event led to the demise of the dinosaurs, marking the end of the Mesozoic Era and the beginning of the Cenozoic Era in the timeline of Eras geologicas.
Cenozoic Era Begins
The Cenozoic Era, beginning around 66 million years ago, is characterized by the rise of mammals and birds, as well as significant climatic changes, shaping the modern world in the timeline of Eras geologicas.
Current Understanding of Eras geologicas
As of 2024, our understanding of Eras geologicas continues to evolve with ongoing research in geology, paleontology, and climate science, revealing more about Earth's complex history and its future.
