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The Journey of Earth Through Time
Aug 23, 2024
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The Unique Story of Earth
Introduction
Earth is the only known home to life in the universe.
To understand what makes Earth special, we must explore its history.
Key milestones include the formation of Earth, the emergence of life, and major evolutionary changes.
Formation of Earth
5 Billion Years Ago
: The Sun forms; Earth's formation begins from dust and rocks.
4.5 Billion Years Ago
: Earth is a molten, toxic environment.
A collision with a Mars-sized body, Theia, leads to the formation of the Moon.
Early Earth
3.9 Billion Years Ago
: Meteor bombardment brings water and minerals.
The surface cools, forming a crust; early water bodies appear.
Emergence of Life
3.8 Billion Years Ago
: Meteorites introduce carbon and primitive proteins.
Hydrothermal vents in oceans create conditions for life.
3.5 Billion Years Ago
: Photosynthesizing bacteria (stromatolites) emerge, producing oxygen.
Evolution of Atmosphere and Life
2 Billion Years Ago
: Rising oxygen levels transform Earth's atmosphere.
1.5 Billion Years Ago
: Earth's plates and continents begin to form.
750 Million Years Ago
: Rodinia forms; volcanic activity and continental drift occur.
Snowball Earth
650 Million Years Ago
: Earth experiences a massive ice age, covering it in ice for 15 million years.
Cambrian Explosion
540 Million Years Ago
: Life diversifies rapidly; multicellular organisms evolve.
Life on Land
460 Million Years Ago
: Ozone layer forms, enabling life on land.
375 Million Years Ago
: Fish like Tiktaalik begin moving onto land.
Plant Evolution
360 Million Years Ago
: Seed plants appear, enabling more diverse terrestrial life.
Reptiles and Coal Formation
300 Million Years Ago
: Reptiles evolve, including the first egg-laying species.
Decaying plant matter eventually forms coal.
Permian Extinction
250 Million Years Ago
: Massive volcanic eruptions cause the greatest mass extinction event.
Rise of Dinosaurs
200 Million Years Ago
: Dinosaurs evolve and dominate.
Geological Changes
Pangaea and Plate Tectonics
: Continual movement of Earth's plates shape modern continents and oceans.
Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction
65 Million Years Ago
: An asteroid impact leads to the extinction of dinosaurs, paving the way for mammals.
Evolution of Mammals
47 Million Years Ago
: Early primates like Ida emerge.
Human Evolution
1.5 Million Years Ago
: Homo erectus appears, marking a significant step in human evolution.
70,000 Years Ago
: Early humans migrate out of Africa.
Last Ice Age
40,000 Years Ago
: The planet undergoes an ice age, shaping modern landscapes.
Human Migration
Humans cross from Asia to the Americas via a land bridge.
Modern Earth
Present Day
: Earth is a diverse and dynamic planet, continuously evolving.
The Earth's journey continues, with an expected lifespan of another 4.5 billion years.
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