Explore the Eons
The geological time scale organizes earth's history into several major divisions: eons, eras, periods, and epochs. This framework helps geologists and paleontologists understand major events in the Earth's history, from its formation over 4.5 billion years ago to the present.
Main Divisions of the Geological Time Scale
- Precambrian - The vast span of time before the Cambrian period, comprising the Paleoarchean, Mesoarchean, Neoarchean, and Proterozoic eons.
- Paleozoic Era - Known for the development of fish, amphibians, and the first plants and insects on land.
- Mesozoic Era - The age of reptiles, including dinosaurs! 🦖
- Cenozoic Era - Current era, known as the age of mammals and birds.
Studying the geological time scale also involves looking at specific geological and evolutionary events, such as mass extinctions, continental drift, and climatic shifts.