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<div style="clear:both; width:100%; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto" class="NavFrame">
<div class="NavHead" style="background-color:#ccccff">{{Tnavbar-collapsible | [[Geologic time scale]] | Geologic time scale}}</div>
<div class="NavContent">
<!-- This next lines determine how wide the white section of the template should be, followed by the text size in the same part. They must be listed in percentage. -->
{| class="wikitable" style="clear:both;margin:0; font-size:95%"
|-
! [[Supereon (geology)|Supereon]]
! [[Eon (geology)|Eon]]
! [[Era (geology)|Era]]
! [[Period (geology)|Period]]<ref name="faunal-stages">Paleontologists often refer to [[faunal stage]]s rather than geologic (geological) periods. The stage nomenclature is quite complex. For an excellent time-ordered list of faunal stages, see {{cite web|url=http://flatpebble.nceas.ucsb.edu/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?action=startScale| title=The Paleobiology Database| accessdate=2006-03-19}}</ref>
! [[Epoch (geology)|Epoch]]
! [[Age (geology)|Age]]<ref name="uncertain-dates" />
! Major events
! Start, million years ago<ref name="uncertain-dates">Dates are slightly uncertain with differences of a few percent between various sources being common. This is largely due to uncertainties in [[radiometric dating]] and the problem that deposits suitable for radiometric dating seldom occur exactly at the places in the geologic column where they would be most useful. The dates and errors quoted above are according to the [[International Commission on Stratigraphy]] 2012 time scale. Where errors are not quoted, errors are less than the precision of the age given. Dates labeled with a * indicate boundaries where a [[Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point]] has been internationally agreed upon: see [[List of Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points]] for a complete list.</ref>
|-
|rowspan="100" style="background:#ffffff"| n/a<ref>References to the "Post-Cambrian Supereon" are not universally accepted, and therefore must be considered unofficial.</ref>
|rowspan="100" style="background:{{period color|Phanerozoic}}"| [[Phanerozoic]]
|rowspan="22" style="background:{{period color|Cenozoic}}"| [[Cenozoic]]<ref name="cenozoic-division">Historically, the [[Cenozoic]] has been divided up into the [[Quaternary]] and [[Tertiary]] sub-eras, as well as the [[Neogene]] and [[Paleogene]] periods. The [http://www.stratigraphy.org/upload/ISChart2009.pdf 2009 version of the ICS time chart] recognizes a slightly extended Quaternary as well as the Paleogene and a truncated Neogene, the Tertiary having been demoted to informal status.</ref>
|rowspan="5" style="background:{{period color|Quaternary}}"| [[Quaternary]]
|style="background:{{period color|Holocene}}"| [[Holocene]]
|style="background:{{period color|Holocene}}"|
[[Chronozone|chrons]]: [[Subatlantic]]{{·}}[[Subboreal]]{{·}}[[Atlantic (period)|Atlantic]]{{·}}[[Boreal (period)|Boreal]]{{·}}[[Preboreal]]
|rowspan="1" | [[Quaternary glaciation|Quaternary Ice Age]] recedes, and the current [[interglacial]] begins; rise of human [[civilization]]. [[Sahara]] forms from savannah, and [[agriculture]] begins. [[Stone Age]] cultures give way to [[Bronze Age]] (3300 BC) and [[Iron Age]] (1200 BC), giving rise to [[Synoptic table of the principal old world prehistoric cultures|many pre-historic cultures]] throughout the world. [[Little Ice Age]] ([[stadial]]) causes brief cooling in [[Northern Hemisphere]] from 1400 to 1850. Following the [[Industrial Revolution]], [[Earth's atmosphere|Atmospheric]] [[Carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere|CO<sub>2</sub>]] levels rise from around 280 [[parts per million]] volume (ppmv) to the current level of 400<ref>"NASA Scientists React to 400 ppm Carbon Milestone". Accessed 1/15/2014 [http://climate.nasa.gov/400ppmquotes/]</ref> ppmv.<ref name="Royer">{{cite journal |last=Royer |title={{CO2}}-forced climate thresholds during the Phanerozoic |journal=Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta |volume=70 |pages=5665–75 |year=2006 |url=http://droyer.web.wesleyan.edu/PhanCO2%28GCA%29.pdf |format=PDF |doi=10.1016/j.gca.2005.11.031 |first1=Dana L. |issue=23|bibcode = 2006GeCoA..70.5665R }}</ref><ref name="atmospheric-carbon-dioxide">For more information on this, see [[Atmosphere of Earth#Evolution of Earth's atmosphere]], [[Carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere]], and [[climate change]]. Specific graphs of reconstructed CO<sub>2</sub> levels over the past ~550, 65, and 5 million years can be seen at [[:Image:Phanerozoic_Carbon_Dioxide.png]], [[:Image:65 Myr Climate Change.png]], [[:Image:Five Myr Climate Change.png]], respectively.</ref>
|style="background:{{period color|Holocene}}"| 0.0117<ref name="holocene">The start time for the [[Holocene]] epoch is here given as [[Upper Paleolithic|11,700]] [[before present|years ago]]. For further discussion of the dating of this epoch, see [[Holocene]].</ref>
|-
|rowspan="4" style="background:{{period color|Pleistocene}}"| [[Pleistocene]]
|style="background:{{period color|Upper Pleistocene}}"| [[Late Pleistocene|Late]] (locally [[Tarantian]]{{·}}[[Tyrrhenian Stage|Tyrrhenian]]{{·}}[[Eemian]]{{·}}[[Sangamonian Stage|Sangamonian]])
|rowspan="4"| Flourishing and then extinction of many large [[mammal]]s ([[Pleistocene megafauna]]). Evolution of anatomically modern [[human]]s. [[Last glacial period|Quaternary Ice Age]] continues with [[Glacial period|glaciations]] and [[interstadial]]s (and the accompanying fluctuations from 100 to 300 ppmv in [[Earth's atmosphere|atmospheric]] CO<sub>2</sub> levels<ref name="Royer" /><ref name="atmospheric-carbon-dioxide" />), further intensification of [[Greenhouse and Icehouse Earth|Icehouse Earth]] conditions, roughly 1.6 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]. [[Last glacial maximum]] (30000 [[before present|years ago]]), [[last glacial period]] (18000–15000 years ago). Dawn of human [[Lower Paleolithic#Cultures|stone-age cultures]], with [[Middle Paleolithic#Cultures|increasing technical complexity]] relative to previous ice age cultures, such as [[Upper Paleolithic#Cultures|engravings and clay statues]] (e.g. [[Venus of Lespugue]]), particularly in the [[Mediterranean]] and Europe. [[Lake Toba]] [[supervolcano]] erupts 75000 years before present, causing a [[volcanic winter]] that [[Toba catastrophe theory|pushes humanity to the brink of extinction]]. Pleistocene ends with [[Oldest Dryas]], [[Older Dryas]]/[[Allerød Oscillation|Allerød]] and [[Younger Dryas]] climate events, with Younger Dryas forming the boundary with the Holocene.
|style="background:{{period color|upper Pleistocene}}"| 0.126
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Middle Pleistocene}}"| [[Middle Pleistocene|Middle]] (formerly Ionian)
|style="background:{{period color|Middle Pleistocene}}"| 0.781
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Calabrian}}"| [[Early Pleistocene|Calabrian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Calabrian}}"| 1.806<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Gelasian}}"| [[Gelasian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Gelasian}}"| 2.588<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="8" style="background:{{period color|Neogene}}"| [[Neogene]]
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Pliocene}}"| [[Pliocene]]
|rowspan="1" style="background:{{period color|Piacenzian}}"| [[Piacenzian]]/[[Blancan]]
|rowspan="2"| Intensification of present [[Greenhouse and Icehouse Earth|Icehouse conditions]], [[Quaternary glaciation|present (Quaternary) ice age]] begins roughly 2.58 Ma; cool and dry [[climate]]. [[Australopithecine]]s, many of the existing genera of mammals, and recent [[mollusk]]s appear. ''[[Homo habilis]]'' appears.
|style="background:{{period color|Piacenzian}}"| 3.600<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Zanclean}}"| [[Zanclean]]
|style="background:{{period color|Zanclean}}"| 5.333<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="6" style="background:{{period color|Miocene}}"| [[Miocene]]
|style="background:{{period color|Messinian}}"| [[Messinian]]
|rowspan="6"| [[Greenhouse and Icehouse Earth|Moderate Icehouse climate]], punctuated by [[ice age]]s; [[Orogeny]] in [[northern hemisphere]]. Modern [[mammal]] and [[bird]] families become recognizable. [[Equidae|Horses]] and [[mastodon]]s diverse. [[Grass]]es become ubiquitous. First [[ape]]s appear (for reference see the article: "[[Sahelanthropus tchadensis]]"). [[Kaikoura Orogeny]] forms [[Southern Alps]] in New Zealand, continues today. Orogeny of the Alps in Europe slows, but continues to this day. [[Carpathian orogeny]] forms [[Carpathian Mountains]] in [[Central Europe|Central]] and [[Eastern Europe]]. [[Hellenic orogeny]] in Greece and Aegean Sea slows, but continues to this day. [[Middle Miocene Disruption]] occurs. Widespread forests slowly [[photosynthesis|draw in]] massive amounts of CO<sub>2</sub>, gradually lowering the level of atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> from 650 ppmv down to around 100 ppmv.<ref name="Royer" /><ref name="atmospheric-carbon-dioxide" />
|style="background:{{period color|Messinian}}"| 7.246<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Tortonian}}"| [[Tortonian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Tortonian}}"| 11.62<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Serravallian}}"| [[Serravallian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Serravallian}}"| 13.82<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Langhian}}"| [[Langhian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Langhian}}"| 15.97
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Burdigalian}}"| [[Burdigalian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Burdigalian}}"| 20.44
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Aquitanian}}"| [[Aquitanian age|Aquitanian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Aquitanian}}"| 23.03<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="9" style="background:{{period color|Paleogene}}"| [[Paleogene]]
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Oligocene}}"| [[Oligocene]]
|style="background:{{period color|Chattian}}"| [[Chattian]]
|rowspan="2"| [[Greenhouse and Icehouse Earth|Warm but cooling climate]], moving towards Icehouse; Rapid [[evolution]] and diversification of fauna, especially [[mammal]]s. Major evolution and dispersal of modern types of [[flowering plant]]s
|style="background:{{period color|Chattian}}"| 28.1
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Rupelian}}"| [[Rupelian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Rupelian}}"| 33.9<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="4" style="background:{{period color|Eocene}}"| [[Eocene]]
|style="background:{{period color|Priabonian}}"| [[Priabonian]]
|rowspan="4"| [[Greenhouse and Icehouse Earth|Moderate, cooling climate]]. Archaic [[mammal]]s (e.g. [[Creodont]]s, [[Condylarth]]s, [[Uintatheriidae|Uintatheres]], etc.) flourish and continue to develop during the epoch. Appearance of several "modern" mammal families. Primitive [[Cetacea|whales]] diversify. First [[grass]]es. Reglaciation of Antarctica and formation of its [[ice cap]]; [[Azolla event]] triggers [[ice age]], and the [[Greenhouse and Icehouse Earth|Icehouse Earth]] climate that would follow it to this day, from the settlement and decay of [[seafloor]] [[algae]] drawing in massive amounts of atmospheric [[carbon dioxide]],<ref name="Royer" /><ref name="atmospheric-carbon-dioxide" /> lowering it from 3800 [[parts per million|ppmv]] down to 650 ppmv. End of [[Laramide Orogeny|Laramide]] and [[Sevier orogeny|Sevier Orogenies]] of the [[Rocky Mountains]] in North America. [[Orogeny]] of the [[Alps]] in Europe begins. [[Hellenic Orogeny]] begins in Greece and [[Aegean Sea]].
|style="background:{{period color|Priabonian}}"| 38.0
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Bartonian}}"| [[Bartonian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Bartonian}}"| 41.3
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Lutetian}}"| [[Lutetian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Lutetian}}"| 47.8<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Ypresian}}"| [[Ypresian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Ypresian}}"| 56.0<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Paleocene}}"| [[Paleocene]]
|style="background:{{period color|Thanetian}}"| [[Thanetian]]
|rowspan="3"| [[Greenhouse and Icehouse Earth|Climate tropical]]. Modern [[plant]]s appear; [[Mammal]]s diversify into a number of primitive lineages following the extinction of the dinosaurs. First large mammals (up to [[bear]] or small [[hippopotamus|hippo]] size). [[Alpine orogeny]] in Europe and Asia begins. [[Indian Subcontinent]] collides with Asia 55 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]], [[Geology of the Himalaya|Himalayan Orogeny]] starts between 52 and 48 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]].
|style="background:{{period color|Thanetian}}"| 59.2<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Selandian}}"| [[Selandian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Selandian}}"| 61.6<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Danian}}"| [[Danian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Danian}}"| 66.0<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="30" style="background:{{period color|Mesozoic}}"| [[Mesozoic]]
|rowspan="12" style="background:{{period color|Cretaceous}}" | [[Cretaceous]]
|rowspan="6" style="background:{{period color|Late Cretaceous}}"| [[Late Cretaceous|Late]]
|style="background:{{period color|Maastrichtian}}"| [[Maastrichtian]]
|rowspan="12"| [[Flowering plant]]s proliferate, along with new types of [[insect]]s. More modern [[teleost]] fish begin to appear. [[Ammonoidea]], [[Belemnoidea|belemnites]], [[rudist]] [[Bivalvia|bivalve]]s, [[Echinoidea|echinoid]]s and [[Porifera|sponges]] all common. Many new types of [[dinosaur]]s (e.g. [[Tyrannosauridae|Tyrannosaurs]], [[Titanosauridae|Titanosaurs]], [[Hadrosauridae|duck bills]], and [[Ceratopsidae|horned dinosaurs]]) evolve on land, as do [[Eusuchia]] ([[Crocodilia|modern crocodilians]]); and [[mosasaur]]s and modern [[shark]]s appear in the sea. Primitive [[bird]]s gradually replace [[pterosaurs]]. [[Monotremes]], [[marsupial]]s and [[Eutheria|placental]] mammals appear. Break up of [[Gondwana]]. Beginning of [[Laramide Orogeny|Laramide]] and [[Sevier Orogeny|Sevier Orogenies]] of the [[Rocky Mountains]]. [[Earth's atmosphere|Atmospheric]] CO<sub>2</sub> close to present-day levels.
|style="background:{{period color|Maastrichtian}}"| 72.1 ± 0.2<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Campanian}}"| [[Campanian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Campanian}}"| 83.6 ± 0.2
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Santonian}}"| [[Santonian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Santonian}}"| 86.3 ± 0.5
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Coniacian}}"| [[Coniacian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Coniacian}}"| 89.8 ± 0.3
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Turonian}}"| [[Turonian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Turonian}}"| 93.9<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Cenomanian}}"| [[Cenomanian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Cenomanian}}"| 100.5<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="6" style="background:{{period color|Early Cretaceous}}"| [[Early Cretaceous|Early]]
|style="background:{{period color|Albian}}"| [[Albian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Albian}}"| c. 113.0
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Aptian}}"| [[Aptian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Aptian}}"| c. 125.0
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Barremian}}"| [[Barremian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Barremian}}"| c. 129.4
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Hauterivian}}"| [[Hauterivian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Hauterivian}}"| c. 132.9
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Valanginian}}"| [[Valanginian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Valanginian}}"| c. 139.8
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Berriasian}}"| [[Berriasian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Berriasian}}"| c. 145.0
|-
|rowspan="11" style="background:{{period color|Jurassic}}"| [[Jurassic]]
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Late Jurassic}}"| [[Late Jurassic|Late]]
|style="background:{{period color|Tithonian}}"| [[Tithonian]]
|rowspan="11"| [[Gymnosperm]]s (especially [[conifer]]s, [[Bennettitales]] and [[cycad]]s) and [[fern]]s common. Many types of [[dinosaur]]s, such as [[sauropod]]s, [[carnosaur]]s, and [[stegosaur]]s. Mammals common but small. First [[bird]]s and [[Squamata|lizards]]. [[Ichthyosaur]]s and [[plesiosaur]]s diverse. [[Bivalvia|Bivalve]]s, [[Ammonite]]s and [[Belemnoidea|belemnites]] abundant. [[Sea urchin]]s very common, along with [[crinoid]]s, starfish, [[Porifera|sponges]], and [[Terebratulida|terebratulid]] and [[Rhynchonellida|rhynchonellid]] [[brachiopod]]s. Breakup of [[Pangaea]] into [[Gondwana]] and [[Laurasia]]. [[Nevadan orogeny]] in North America. [[Rangitata Orogeny|Rantigata]] and [[Cimmerian Orogeny|Cimmerian Orogenies]] taper off. Atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> levels 4–5 times the present day levels (1200–1500 ppmv, compared to today's 385 ppmv<ref name="Royer" /><ref name="atmospheric-carbon-dioxide" />).
|style="background:{{period color|Tithonian}}"| 152.1 ± 0.9
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Kimmeridgian}}"| [[Kimmeridgian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Kimmeridgian}}"| 157.3 ± 1.0
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Oxfordian}}"| [[Oxfordian stage|Oxfordian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Oxfordian}}"| 163.5 ± 1.0
|-
|rowspan="4" style="background:{{period color|Middle Jurassic}}"| [[Middle Jurassic|Middle]]
|style="background:{{period color|Callovian}}"| [[Callovian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Callovian}}"| 166.1 ± 1.2
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Bathonian}}"| [[Bathonian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Bathonian}}"| 168.3 ± 1.3<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Bajocian}}"| [[Bajocian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Bajocian}}"| 170.3 ± 1.4<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Aalenian}}"| [[Aalenian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Aalenian}}"| 174.1 ± 1.0<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="4" style="background:{{period color|Early Jurassic}}"| [[Early Jurassic|Early]]
|style="background:{{period color|Toarcian}}"| [[Toarcian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Toarcian}}"| 182.7 ± 0.7
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Pliensbachian}}"| [[Pliensbachian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Pliensbachian}}"| 190.8 ± 1.0<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Sinemurian}}"| [[Sinemurian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Sinemurian}}"| 199.3 ± 0.3<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Hettangian}}"| [[Hettangian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Hettangian}}"| 201.3 ± 0.2<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="7" style="background:{{period color|Triassic}}"| [[Triassic]]
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Late Triassic}}"| [[Late Triassic|Late]]
|style="background:{{period color|Rhaetian}}"| [[Rhaetian]]
|rowspan="7"| [[Archosaur]]s dominant on land as [[dinosaur]]s, in the oceans as [[Ichthyosaur]]s and [[nothosaur]]s, and in the air as [[pterosaur]]s. [[Cynodont]]s become smaller and more mammal-like, while first [[mammal]]s and [[crocodilia]] appear. ''[[Dicroidium]]''flora common on land. Many large aquatic [[temnospondyli|temnospondyl]] amphibians. [[Ammonite|Ceratitic ammonoids]] extremely common. [[Scleractinia|Modern corals]] and [[teleost]] fish appear, as do many modern [[insect]] clades. [[Andes Mountains|Andean Orogeny]] in South America. [[Cimmerian Orogeny]] in Asia. [[Rangitata Orogeny]] begins in New Zealand. [[Hunter-Bowen Orogeny]] in [[Northern Australia]], Queensland and [[New South Wales]] ends, (c. 260–225 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]])
|style="background:{{period color|Rhaetian}}"| c. 208.5
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Norian}}"| [[Norian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Norian}}"| c. 228
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Carnian}}"| [[Carnian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Carnian}}"| c. 235<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Middle Triassic}}"| [[Middle Triassic|Middle]]
|style="background:{{period color|Ladinian}}"| [[Ladinian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Ladinian}}"| c. 242<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Anisian}}"| [[Anisian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Anisian}}"| 247.2
|-
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Early Triassic}}"| [[Early Triassic|Early]]
|style="background:{{period color|Olenekian}}"| [[Olenekian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Olenekian}}"| 251.2
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Induan}}"| [[Induan]]
|style="background:{{period color|Induan}}"| 252.2 ± 0.5<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="48" style="background:{{period color|Paleozoic}}"| [[Paleozoic]]
|rowspan="9" style="background:{{period color|Permian}}"| [[Permian]]
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Lopingian}}"| [[Lopingian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Changhsingian}}"| [[Changhsingian]]
|rowspan="9"| [[Landmass]]es unite into [[supercontinent]] [[Pangaea]], creating the [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]]s. End of Permo-Carboniferous glaciation. [[Synapsida|Synapsid]] [[Reptilia|reptile]]s ([[pelycosaur]]s and [[therapsid]]s) become plentiful, while [[parareptile]]s and [[temnospondyli|temnospondyl]] [[Amphibian|amphibians]] remain common. In the mid-Permian, [[coal]]-age flora are replaced by [[Conifer cone|cone]]-bearing [[gymnosperm]]s (the first true [[seed plants]]) and by the first true [[moss]]es. [[Beetles]] and [[Fly|flies]] evolve. Marine life flourishes in warm shallow reefs; [[Productida|productid]] and [[Spiriferida|spiriferid]] brachiopods, bivalves, [[foraminifera|foram]]s, and [[orthocerid|ammonoid]]s all abundant. [[Permian-Triassic extinction event]] occurs 251[[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]: 95% of life on Earth becomes extinct, including all [[trilobite]]s, [[graptolite]]s, and [[blastoid]]s. [[Ouachita Orogeny|Ouachita]] and [[Innuitian orogeny|Innuitian orogenies]] in North America. [[Uralian orogeny]] in Europe/Asia tapers off. [[Altai Mountains|Altaid]] orogeny in Asia. [[Hunter-Bowen Orogeny]] on [[Australia (Continent)|Australian Continent]] begins (c. 260–225 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]), forming the [[MacDonnell Ranges]].
|style="background:{{period color|Changhsingian}}"| 254.2 ± 0.1<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Wuchiapingian}}"| [[Wuchiapingian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Wuchiapingian}}"| 259.9 ± 0.4<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Guadalupian}}"| [[Guadalupian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Capitanian}}"| [[Capitanian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Capitanian}}"| 265.1 ± 0.4<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Wordian}}"| [[Wordian|Wordian/Kazanian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Wordian}}"| 268.8 ± 0.5<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Roadian}}"| [[Roadian|Roadian/Ufimian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Roadian}}"| 272.3 ± 0.5<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="4" style="background:{{period color|Cisuralian}}"| [[Cisuralian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Kungurian}}"| [[Kungurian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Kungurian}}"| 279.3 ± 0.6
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Artinskian}}"| [[Artinskian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Artinskian}}"| 290.1 ± 0.1
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Sakmarian}}"| [[Sakmarian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Sakmarian}}"| 295.5 ± 0.4
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Asselian}}"| [[Asselian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Asselian}}"| 298.9 ± 0.2<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="7" style="background:{{period color|Carboniferous}}"| [[Carboniferous|Carbon-<br />iferous]]<ref name="carboniferous">In North America, the Carboniferous is subdivided into [[Mississippian]] and [[Pennsylvanian]] Periods.</ref>
|rowspan="4" style="background:{{period color|Pennsylvanian}}"| [[Pennsylvanian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Gzhelian}}"| [[Gzhelian]]
|rowspan="4"| [[Pterygota|Winged insects]] radiate suddenly; some (esp. [[Protodonata]] and [[Palaeodictyoptera]]) are quite large. [[Amphibian]]s common and diverse. First [[reptile]]s and [[coal]] forests ([[Lepidodendron|scale tree]]s, ferns, [[Sigillaria|club tree]]s, [[Calamites|giant horsetail]]s, ''[[Cordaites]]'', etc.). Highest-ever [[Earth's atmosphere|atmospheric]] [[oxygen]] levels. [[Goniatite]]s, brachiopods, bryozoa, bivalves, and corals plentiful in the seas and oceans. Testate [[foram]]s proliferate. [[Uralian orogeny]] in Europe and Asia. [[Variscan orogeny]] occurs towards middle and late Mississippian Periods.
|style="background:{{period color|Gzhelian}}"| 303.7 ± 0.1
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Kasimovian}}"| [[Kasimovian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Kasimovian}}"| 307.0 ± 0.1
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Moscovian}}"| [[Moscovian (Carboniferous)|Moscovian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Moscovian}}"| 315.2 ± 0.2
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Bashkirian}}"| [[Bashkirian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Bashkirian}}"| 323.2 ± 0.4<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Mississippian}}"|[[Mississippian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Serpukhovian}}"| [[Serpukhovian]]
|rowspan="3"| Large [[Lycopodiophyta|primitive tree]]s, first [[Tetrapoda|land vertebrate]]s, and amphibious [[eurypterid|sea-scorpion]]s live amid [[coal]]-forming coastal [[brackish water|swamp]]s. Lobe-finned [[rhizodont]]s are dominant big fresh-water predators. In the oceans, early [[Chondrichthyes|shark]]s are common and quite diverse; [[echinoderm]]s (especially [[crinoid]]s and [[blastoid]]s) abundant. [[Coral]]s, [[bryozoa]], [[Goniatitida|goniatite]]s and brachiopods ([[Productida]], [[Spiriferida]], etc.) very common, but [[Trilobita|trilobite]]s and [[nautiloid]]s decline. [[Glaciation]] in East [[Gondwana]]. [[Mayor Island/Tuhua|Tuhua Orogeny]] in New Zealand tapers off.
|style="background:{{period color|Serpukhovian}}"| 330.9 ± 0.2
|-
|style="background:{{period color|visean}}"| [[Viséan]]
|style="background:{{period color|visean}}"| 346.7 ± 0.4<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Tournaisian}}"| [[Tournaisian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Tournaisian}}"| 358.9 ± 0.4<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="7" style="background:{{period color|Devonian}}"| [[Devonian]]
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Late Devonian}}"| [[Late Devonian|Late]]
|style="background:{{period color|Frasnian}}"| [[Famennian]]
|rowspan="7"| First [[Lycopodiopsida|clubmoss]]es, [[Equisetophyta|horsetail]]s and [[fern]]s appear, as do the first [[seed]]-bearing plants ([[progymnosperm]]s), first [[tree]]s (the progymnosperm ''[[Archaeopteris]]''), and first (wingless) [[insect]]s. [[Strophomenida|Strophomenid]] and [[Atrypida|atrypid]] [[brachiopod]]s, [[Rugosa|rugose]] and [[Tabulata|tabulate]] corals, and [[crinoid]]s are all abundant in the oceans. [[Goniatite]] [[Ammonite|ammonoids]] are plentiful, while squid-like [[Coleoidea|coleoids]] arise. Trilobites and armoured agnaths decline, while jawed fishes ([[Placodermi|placoderm]]s, [[Sarcopterygii|lobe-finned]] and [[Osteichthyes|ray-finned]] fish, and early [[Chondrichthyes|sharks]]) rule the seas. First [[amphibian]]s still aquatic. "Old Red Continent" of [[Euramerica]]. Beginning of [[Acadian Orogeny]] for [[Atlas Mountains|Anti-Atlas Mountains]] of [[North Africa]], and [[Appalachian Mountains]] of North America, also the [[Antler Orogeny|Antler]], [[Variscan Orogeny|Variscan]], and [[Mayor Island/Tuhua|Tuhua Orogeny]] in New Zealand.
|style="background:{{period color|Frasnian}}"| 372.2 ± 1.6<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Famennian}}"| [[Frasnian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Famennian}}"| 382.7 ± 1.6<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Middle Devonian}}"| [[Middle Devonian|Middle]]
|style="background:{{period color|Givetian}}"| [[Givetian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Givetian}}"| 387.7 ± 0.8<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Eifelian}}"| [[Eifelian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Eifelian}}"| 393.3 ± 1.2<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Early Devonian}}"| [[Early Devonian|Early]]
|style="background:{{period color|Emsian}}"| [[Emsian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Emsian}}"| 407.6 ± 2.6<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Pragian}}"| [[Pragian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Pragian}}"| 410.8 ± 2.8<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Lochkovian}}"| [[Lochkovian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Lochkovian}}"| 419.2 ± 3.2<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="8" style="background:{{period color|Silurian}}"| [[Silurian]]
|colspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Pridoli}}"| [[Pridoli epoch|Pridoli]]
|rowspan="8"| First [[Vascular plant]]s (the [[rhyniophytes]] and their relatives), first [[millipede]]s and [[Arthropleurida|arthropleurid]]s on land. First [[jawed fish]]es, as well as many [[ostracoderm|armoured]] [[agnatha|jawless fish]], populate the seas. [[Eurypterid|Sea-scorpions]] reach large size. [[Tabulate coral|Tabulate]] and [[Rugosa|rugose]] corals, [[brachiopod]]s (''Pentamerida'', [[Rhynchonellida]], etc.), and [[crinoid]]s all abundant. [[Trilobite]]s and [[mollusk]]s diverse; [[graptolite]]s not as varied. Beginning of [[Caledonian Orogeny]] for hills in England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and the [[Scandinavian Mountains]]. Also continued into Devonian period as the [[Acadian Orogeny]], above. [[Taconic Orogeny]] tapers off. [[Lachlan Orogeny]] on [[Australia (Continent)|Australian Continent]] tapers off.
|style="background:{{period color|Pridoli}}"| 423.0 ± 2.3<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Ludlow}}"| [[Ludlow epoch|Ludlow]]/[[Cayugan]]
|style="background:{{period color|Ludfordian}}"| [[Ludfordian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Ludfordian}}"| 425.6 ± 0.9<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Gorstian}}"| [[Gorstian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Gorstian}}"| 427.4 ± 0.5<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Wenlock}}"| [[Wenlock epoch|Wenlock]]
|style="background:{{period color|Homerian}}"| [[Homerian]]/[[Lockportian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Homerian}}"| 430.5 ± 0.7<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Sheinwoodian}}"| [[Sheinwoodian]]/[[Tonawandan]]
|style="background:{{period color|Sheinwoodian}}"| 433.4 ± 0.8<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Llandovery}}"| [[Llandovery epoch|Llandovery]]/<br/>[[Silurian|Alexandrian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Telychian}}"| [[Telychian]]/[[Ontarian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Telychian}}"| 438.5 ± 1.1<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Aeronian}}"| [[Aeronian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Aeronian}}"| 440.8 ± 1.2<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Rhuddanian}}"| [[Rhuddanian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Rhuddanian}}"| 443.4 ± 1.5<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="7" style="background:{{period color|Ordovician}}"| [[Ordovician]]
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Late Ordovician}}"| [[Late Ordovician|Late]]
|style="background:{{period color|Hirnantian}}"| [[Hirnantian]]
|rowspan="7"| [[Invertebrate]]s diversify into many new types (e.g., long [[orthoconic|straight-shelled]] [[orthocerida|cephalopods]]). Early [[coral]]s, articulate [[brachiopod]]s (''Orthida'', ''Strophomenida'', etc.), [[Bivalvia|bivalves]], [[nautiloid]]s, [[trilobite]]s, [[ostracod]]s, [[bryozoa]], many types of [[echinoderms]] ([[crinoid]]s, [[Cystoidea|cystoids]], [[Asteroidea|starfish]], etc.), branched [[graptolite]]s, and other taxa all common. [[Conodont]]s (early [[plankton]]ic [[vertebrate]]s) appear. First [[Embryophyte|green plant]]s and [[fungus|fungi]] on land. Ice age at end of period.
|style="background:{{period color|Hirnantian}}"| 445.2 ± 1.4<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Katian}}"| [[Katian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Katian}}"| 453.0 ± 0.7<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Sandbian}}"| [[Sandbian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Sandbian}}"| 458.4 ± 0.9<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Middle Ordovician}}"| [[Middle Ordovician|Middle]]
|style="background:{{period color|Darriwilian}}"| [[Darriwilian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Darriwilian}}"| 467.3 ± 1.1<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Dapingian}}"| [[Dapingian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Dapingian}}"| 470.0 ± 1.4<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Early Ordovician}}"| [[Early Ordovician|Early]]
|style="background:{{period color|Floian}}"| [[Floian]]<br />(formerly [[Arenig]])
|style="background:{{period color|Floian}}"| 477.7 ± 1.4<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Tremadocian}}"| [[Tremadocian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Tremadocian}}"| 485.4 ± 1.9<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="10" style="background:{{period color|Cambrian}}"| [[Cambrian]]
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Furongian}}"| [[Furongian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Stage 10}}"| [[Cambrian#Subdivisions|Stage 10]]
|rowspan="10"| Major diversification of life in the [[Cambrian Explosion]]. Numerous fossils; most modern [[Animalia|animal]] [[Phylum|phyla]] appear. First [[chordate]]s appear, along with a number of extinct, problematic phyla. Reef-building [[Archaeocyatha]] abundant; then vanish. [[Trilobite]]s, [[priapulid]] worms, [[Porifera|sponges]], inarticulate [[brachiopod]]s (unhinged lampshells), and many other animals numerous. [[Anomalocarid]]s are giant predators, while many Ediacaran fauna die out. [[Prokaryote]]s, [[protist]]s (e.g., [[foram]]s), [[fungus|fungi]] and [[algae]] continue to present day. [[Gondwana]] emerges. [[Petermann Orogeny]] on the [[Australia (Continent)|Australian Continent]] tapers off (550–535 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]). Ross Orogeny in Antarctica. [[Adelaide Geosyncline|Adelaide Geosyncline (Delamerian Orogeny)]], majority of orogenic activity from 514–500[[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]. [[Lachlan Orogeny]] on [[Australia (Continent)|Australian Continent]], c. 540–440[[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]. [[Earth's atmosphere|Atmospheric]] CO<sub>2</sub> content roughly 20–35 times present-day ([[Holocene]]) levels (6000 ppmv compared to today's 385 ppmv)<ref name="Royer" /><ref name="atmospheric-carbon-dioxide" />
|style="background:{{period color|Stage 10}}"| c. 489.5
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Jiangshanian}}"| [[Jiangshanian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Jiangshanian}}"| c. 494<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Paibian}}"| [[Paibian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Paibian}}"| c. 497<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Series 3}}"| [[Middle Cambrian|Series 3]]
|style="background:{{period color|Guzhangian}}"| [[Guzhangian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Guzhangian}}"| c. 500.5<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Drumian}}"| [[Drumian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Drumian}}"| c. 504.5<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Stage 5}}"| [[Cambrian#Subdivisions|Stage 5]]
|style="background:{{period color|Stage 5}}"| c. 509
|-
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Series 2}}"| [[Middle Cambrian|Series 2]]
|style="background:{{period color|Stage 4}}"| [[Cambrian#Subdivisions|Stage 4]]
|style="background:{{period color|Stage 4}}"| c. 514
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Stage 3}}"| [[Cambrian#Subdivisions|Stage 3]]
|style="background:{{period color|Stage 3}}"| c. 521
|-
|rowspan="2" style="background:{{period color|Terreneuvian}}"| [[Terreneuvian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Stage 2}}"| [[Cambrian Stage 2|Stage 2]]
|style="background:{{period color|Stage 2}}"| c. 529
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Fortunian}}"| [[Fortunian]]
|style="background:{{period color|Fortunian}}"| 541.0 ± 1.0<sup>*</sup>
|-
|rowspan="18" style="background:{{period color|Precambrian}}"| [[Precambrian|Precam-<br />brian]]<ref name="aka-cryptozoic">The [[Precambrian]] is also known as Cryptozoic.</ref>
|rowspan="10" style="background:{{period color|Proterozoic}}"| [[Proterozoic|Proter-<br />ozoic]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time">The [[Proterozoic]], [[Archean]] and [[Hadean]] are often collectively referred to as the [[Precambrian|Precambrian Time]] or sometimes, also the Cryptozoic.</ref>
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Neoproterozoic}}"| [[Neoproterozoic|Neo-<br />proterozoic]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" />
|style="background:{{period color|Ediacaran}}"| [[Ediacaran]]
|colspan="3"| Good [[fossil]]s of the first [[Metazoa|multi-celled animal]]s. [[Ediacaran biota]] flourish worldwide in seas. Simple [[trace fossil]]s of possible worm-like ''[[Trichophycus pedum|Trichophycus]]'', etc. First [[Porifera|sponge]]s and [[Trilobita|trilobitomorph]]s. Enigmatic forms include many soft-jellied creatures shaped like bags, disks, or quilts (like''[[Dickinsonia]]''). [[Taconic Orogeny]] in North America. [[Aravalli Range]] [[orogeny]] in [[Indian Subcontinent]]. Beginning of [[Petermann Orogeny]] on [[Australia (Continent)|Australian Continent]]. Beardmore Orogeny in Antarctica, 633–620[[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]].
|style="background:{{period color|Ediacaran}}"| c. 635<sup>*</sup>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Cryogenian}}"| [[Cryogenian]]
|colspan="3"| Possible "[[Snowball Earth]]" period. [[Fossil]]s still rare. [[Rodinia]] landmass begins to break up. Late Ruker / Nimrod Orogeny in Antarctica tapers off.
|style="background:{{period color|Cryogenian}}"| 850<ref name="absolute-age">Defined by absolute age ([[Global Standard Stratigraphic Age]]).</ref>
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Tonian}}"| [[Tonian]]
|colspan="3"| [[Rodinia]] supercontinent persists. [[Trace fossil]]s of simple [[multicellular|multi-celled]] [[Eukaryota|eukaryote]]s. First radiation of [[dinoflagellate]]-like [[acritarch]]s. [[Grenville Orogeny]] tapers off in North America. [[Pan-African orogeny]] in Africa. Lake Ruker / Nimrod Orogeny in Antarctica, 1000 ± 150 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]. Edmundian Orogeny (c. 920 - 850[[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]), [[Gascoyne Complex]], Western Australia. [[Adelaide Geosyncline]] laid down on [[Australia (continent)|Australian Continent]], beginning of [[Adelaide Geosyncline|Adelaide Geosyncline (Delamerian Orogeny)]] in that continent.
|style="background:{{period color|Tonian}}"| 1000<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|rowspan="3" style="background:{{period color|Mesoproterozoic}}"| [[Mesoproterozoic|Meso-<br />proterozoic]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" />
|style="background:{{period color|Stenian}}"| [[Stenian]]
|colspan="3"| Narrow highly [[Metamorphic rock|metamorphic]] belts due to [[orogeny]] as [[Rodinia]] forms. Late Ruker / Nimrod Orogeny in Antarctica possibly begins. Musgrave Orogeny (c. 1080 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]), [[Musgrave Block]], [[Central Australia]].
|style="background:{{period color|Stenian}}"| 1200<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Ectasian}}"| [[Ectasian]]
|colspan="3"| [[Platform cover]]s continue to expand. [[Green algae]] [[colony (biology)|colonies]] in the seas. [[Grenville Orogeny]] in North America.
|style="background:{{period color|Ectasian}}"| 1400<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Calymmian}}"| [[Calymmian]]
|colspan="3"| [[Platform cover]]s expand. Barramundi Orogeny, [[McArthur Basin]], [[Northern Australia]], and Isan Orogeny, [[circa|c.]]1600 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]], Mount Isa Block, Queensland
|style="background:{{period color|Calymmian}}"| 1600<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|rowspan="4" style="background:{{period color|Paleoproterozoic}}"| [[Paleoproterozoic|Paleo-<br />proterozoic]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" />
|style="background:{{period color|Statherian}}"| [[Statherian]]
|colspan="3"| First [[Eukaryote|complex single-celled life]]: [[protist]]s with nuclei. [[Columbia (supercontinent)|Columbia]] is the primordial supercontinent. Kimban Orogeny in Australian Continent ends. Yapungku Orogeny on [[Yilgarn craton]], in Western Australia. Mangaroon Orogeny, 1680–1620 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]], on the [[Gascoyne Complex]] in Western Australia. Kararan Orogeny (1650-[[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]), Gawler Craton, [[South Australia]].
|style="background:{{period color|Statherian}}"| 1800<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Orosirian}}"| [[Orosirian]]
|colspan="3"| The [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]] becomes [[oxygen]]ic. [[Vredefort crater|Vredefort]] and [[Sudbury Basin]] asteroid impacts. Much [[orogeny]]. [[Penokean orogeny|Penokean]] and [[Trans-Hudsonian Orogeny|Trans-Hudsonian Orogenies]] in North America. Early Ruker Orogeny in Antarctica, 2000 - 1700 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]. Glenburgh Orogeny, [[Gascoyne Complex|Glenburgh Terrane]], [[Australia (Continent)|Australian Continent]] [[circa|c.]] 2005–1920 [[Year#SI prefix multipliers|Ma]]. Kimban Orogeny, [[Gawler craton]] in Australian Continent begins.
|style="background:{{period color|Orosirian}}"| 2050<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Rhyacian}}"| [[Rhyacian]]
|colspan="3"| [[Bushveld Igneous Complex]] forms. [[Huronian]] glaciation.
|style="background:{{period color|Rhyacian}}"| 2300<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Siderian}}"| [[Siderian]]
|colspan="3"| [[Oxygen catastrophe]]: [[banded iron formation]]s forms. Sleaford Orogeny on [[Australia (Continent)|Australian Continent]], [[Gawler Craton]] 2440–2420 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]].
|style="background:{{period color|Siderian}}"| 2500<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|rowspan="4" style="background:{{period color|Archean}}"| [[Archean]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" />
|style="background:{{period color|Neoarchean}}"| [[Neoarchean]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" />
|colspan="4"| Stabilization of most modern [[craton]]s; possible [[Mantle (geology)|mantle]] overturn event. Insell Orogeny, 2650 ± 150 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]. [[Abitibi greenstone belt]] in present-day [[Ontario]] and [[Quebec]] begins to form, stabilizes by 2600 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]].
|style="background:{{period color|Neoarchean}}"| 2800<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Mesoarchean}}"| [[Mesoarchean]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" />
|colspan="4"| First [[stromatolite]]s (probably [[colony (biology)|colonial]] [[cyanobacteria]]). Oldest [[macrofossil]]s. Humboldt Orogeny in Antarctica. [[Blake River Megacaldera Complex]] begins to form in present-day [[Ontario]] and [[Quebec]], ends by roughly 2696[[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]].
|style="background:{{period color|Mesoarchean}}"| 3200<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Paleoarchean}}"| [[Paleoarchean]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" />
|colspan="4"| First known [[phototroph|oxygen-producing]] [[bacteria]]. Oldest definitive [[microfossils]]. Oldest [[craton]]s on Earth (such as the [[Canadian Shield]] and the [[Pilbara Craton]]) may have formed during this period<ref name="Oldest-craton">The age of the oldest measurable [[craton]], or [[continental crust]], is dated to 3600–3800 Ma</ref>. Rayner Orogeny in Antarctica.
|style="background:{{period color|Paleoarchean}}"| 3600<ref name="absolute-age" />
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Eoarchean}}"| [[Eoarchean]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" />
|colspan="4"| [[Prokaryote|Simple single-celled life]] (probably [[bacteria]] and [[archaea]]). Oldest probable [[microfossil]]s.
|style="background:{{period color|Eoarchean}}"| 4000
|-
|rowspan="4" style="background:{{period color|Hadean}}"| [[Hadean]]<br /><ref name="Precambrian-Time" /><ref name="hadeon-not-formal">Though commonly used, the [[Hadean]] is not a formal eon and no lower bound for the Archean and Eoarchean have been agreed upon. The Hadean has also sometimes been called the Priscoan or the Azoic. Sometimes, the Hadean can be found to be subdivided according to the [[lunar geologic time scale]]. These eras include the [[Cryptic era|Cryptic]] and [[Basin Groups]] (which are subdivisions of the [[Pre-Nectarian]] era), [[Nectarian]], and [[Early Imbrian]] units.</ref>
|style="background:{{period color|Hadean}}"| [[Early Imbrian]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" /><ref name="Lunar-geologic-timescale-names">These unit names were taken from the [[Lunar geologic timescale]] and refer to geologic events that did not occur on Earth. Their use for Earth geology is unofficial. Note that their start times do not dovetail perfectly with the later, terrestrially defined boundaries.</ref>
|colspan="4"| Indirect [[photosynthetic]] evidence (e.g., [[kerogen]]) of primordial life. This era overlaps the end of the [[Late Heavy Bombardment]] of the [[inner solar system|inner]] [[solar system]].
|style="background:{{period color|Hadean}}"| c.4100
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Hadean}}"| [[Nectarian]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" /><ref name="Lunar-geologic-timescale-names" />
|colspan="4"| This unit gets its name from the [[lunar geologic timescale]] when the [[Nectaris Basin]] and other greater [[lunar basin]]s form by big [[impact event]]s.
|style="background:{{period color|Hadean}}"| c.4300
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Hadean}}"| [[Basin Groups]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" /><ref name="Lunar-geologic-timescale-names" />
|colspan="4"| Oldest known rock (4030 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]])<ref name="Oldest-rock">{{cite journal|doi=10.1007/s004100050465|title=Priscoan (4.00–4.03 Ga) orthogneisses from northwestern Canada|year=1999|author=Bowring, Samuel A.|journal=Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology|volume=134|issue=1|pages=3|last2=Williams|first2=Ian S.|bibcode=1999CoMP..134....3B}} The oldest rock on Earth is the [[Acasta Gneiss]], and it dates to 4.03 Ga, located in the [[Northwest Territories]] of Canada.</ref>. The first [[organism|life form]]s and [[self-replication|self-replicating]] [[RNA]] [[molecule]]s evolve around 4000 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]], after the [[Late Heavy Bombardment]] ends on Earth. [[Napier_Mountains|Napier]] Orogeny in Antarctica, 4000 ± 200 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]].
|style="background:{{period color|Hadean}}"| c.4500
|-
|style="background:{{period color|Hadean}}"| [[Cryptic era|Cryptic]]<ref name="Precambrian-Time" /><ref name="Lunar-geologic-timescale-names" />
|colspan="4"| Oldest known [[mineral]] ([[Zircon]], 4404 ± 8 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]).<ref name="geology-wisc-edu">[http://www.geology.wisc.edu/%7Evalley/zircons/Wilde2001Nature.pdf Geology.wisc.edu]</ref> Formation of [[Moon]](4533 [[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]]), probably from [[Giant_impact_hypothesis|giant impact]]. Formation of [[Earth]] (4567.17 to 4570[[Year#SI_prefix_multipliers|Ma]])
|style="background:{{period color|Hadean}}"| c.4567
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