Geological Timescale

The geological timescale is a system used by scientists to organize Earth's history into different periods based on major events like the appearance of new life forms, mass extinctions, and geological changes. It spans billions of years, divided into eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages. This framework helps us understand how Earth and its life have evolved over time, much like a timeline that highlights key chapters in Earth's 4.5-billion-year history. It’s an essential tool for studying the planet’s dynamic history and the development of its diverse environments and life forms.