Formation of Earth
The Earth formed from the solar nebula, a disc-shaped mass of dust and gas left over from the formation of the Sun.
4.54 billion years ago
4.4 billion years ago
Formation of the Moon
The Moon is believed to have formed shortly after the Earth, likely as a result of a giant impact between the early Earth and a Mars-sized body.
3.8 billion years ago
First Evidence of Life
The earliest evidence of life on Earth dates back to around 3.8 billion years ago, with the appearance of simple, single-celled organisms known as prokaryotes.
3.5 billion years ago
Photosynthesis Begins
Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, began to perform photosynthesis, producing oxygen and significantly altering the Earth's atmosphere.
2.4 billion years ago
Great Oxidation Event
The Great Oxidation Event marks a time when oxygen produced by photosynthetic organisms began to accumulate in the atmosphere, leading to significant changes in Earth's environment.
1.2 billion years ago
First Multicellular Life
The first multicellular organisms appeared, marking a major milestone in the evolution of life on Earth.
600 million years ago
Ediacaran Period
The Ediacaran Period saw the emergence of large, complex multicellular organisms, including the first animals.
541 million years ago
Cambrian Explosion
The Cambrian Explosion was a rapid diversification of life forms, resulting in the appearance of most major animal phyla.
485 million years ago
Ordovician Period
The Ordovician Period saw the diversification of marine life, including the first vertebrates.
252 million years ago
Permian-Triassic Extinction Event
The Permian-Triassic Extinction Event was the most severe extinction event in Earth's history, wiping out approximately 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species.
201 million years ago
Triassic-Jurassic Extinction Event
This extinction event led to the rise of dinosaurs as the dominant terrestrial vertebrates.
66 million years ago
Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction Event
The Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction Event, likely caused by an asteroid impact, led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species, paving the way for the rise of mammals.
2.6 million years ago
Quaternary Period
The Quaternary Period is characterized by the development of humans and significant climatic changes, including the Ice Ages.
200,000 years ago
Emergence of Homo sapiens
Homo sapiens, the species to which all modern human beings belong, first appeared in Africa around 200,000 years ago.
10,000 years ago
Beginning of Agriculture
The development of agriculture marked the beginning of the Neolithic Revolution, leading to the establishment of permanent human settlements and the rise of civilizations.
