Overview
The geological time scale is a crucial tool for understanding Earth's history, dividing it into manageable segments that reflect significant geological and biological events. By studying these divisions, scientists can trace the evolution of life and the changes in Earth's environment over billions ...
Key Terms
Example: The Phanerozoic eon is the current eon, starting about 541 million years ago.
Example: The Mesozoic era is known as the age of dinosaurs.
Example: The Jurassic period is famous for its large dinosaurs.
Example: The Holocene epoch is the current epoch, starting around 11,700 years ago.
Example: Fossils help scientists understand past life forms and environments.
Example: Carbon-14 dating is used to date organic materials up to about 50,000 years old.