The Proterozoic Eon

The Proterozoic Eon lasted from about 2.5 billion to 541 million years ago and is marked by significant geological, atmospheric, and biological changes. During this time, Earth's atmosphere began to accumulate oxygen due to photosynthetic bacteria. It also saw the formation of the first complex life forms, including multicellular organisms. The Proterozoic is crucial for understanding the early development of our planet and the evolution of life, setting the stage for the later explosion of diversity in the Cambrian Period. It underscores the gradual transition from a predominantly single-celled world to more complex biological structures.