The Geological Time Scale

The Geological Time Scale is a system scientists use to organize Earth's history into different sections based on major events, like the appearance and extinction of species. It spans billions of years, divided into eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages. For example, the Phanerozoic Eon includes recent times when complex life thrived. This timeline helps us understand how Earth and life have changed over time, from the formation of the planet to the diverse ecosystems we see today. It's like a cosmic calendar that records the Earth's vast history in manageable chapters.