
geological time
Geological time refers to the vast, expansive timeline covering Earth’s history from its formation about 4.6 billion years ago to the present day. It is divided into different categories, including eons, eras, periods, and epochs, which help scientists understand the sequence of events, such as the development of continents, the evolution of life, and mass extinctions. This framework allows geologists and paleontologists to organize and interpret the planet's complex history and to understand how changes in the Earth’s environment have influenced life over millions of years.