TIMELINE
Miocene Epoch (23 – 5.3 million years ago) – First apes; mammals evolve further.
The Miocene Epoch, spanning from approximately 23 to 5.3 million years ago, represents a significant period in Earth’s geological history, characterised by profound climatic shifts and the evolution of diverse life forms. This epoch is part of the Neogene Period...
Oligocene Epoch (34 – 23 million years ago) – Global cooling; grasslands expand
The Oligocene Epoch, spanning from approximately 34 to 23 million years ago, represents a significant chapter in Earth’s geological history. It is the third epoch of the Paleogene Period, following the Paleocene and Eocene epochs, and is characterised by notable...
Eocene Epoch (56 – 34 million years ago) – First primates; early horses and whales.
The Eocene Epoch, spanning from approximately 56 to 33.9 million years ago, represents a pivotal chapter in the geological and biological history of our planet. It is the second epoch of the Paleogene Period, following the Palaeocene and preceding the Oligocene. The...
Paleocene Epoch (66 – 56 million years ago) – Mammals diversify after dinosaur extinction.
The Paleocene Epoch, spanning from approximately 66 to 56 million years ago, marks a significant chapter in Earth’s geological history, following the dramatic end of the Cretaceous Period. This era is often characterised as a time of recovery and reorganisation,...
Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago – Present)
The Cenozoic Era, often referred to as the “Age of Mammals,” spans from approximately 66 million years ago to the present day. This era is marked by significant geological, climatic, and biological transformations that have shaped the Earth as we know it...
Cretaceous Epoch (145 – 66 million years ago) – Flowering plants appear; mass extinction kills the dinosaurs
The Cretaceous Epoch, spanning from approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, represents the final chapter of the Mesozoic Era, a period often referred to as the “Age of Reptiles.” This epoch is characterised by significant geological, climatic, and...
Triassic Epoch (252 – 201 million years ago) – First dinosaurs and mammals appear
The Triassic Epoch, spanning from approximately 252 to 201 million years ago, marks a significant period in Earth’s geological history. It is the first of three epochs within the Mesozoic Era, often referred to as the “Age of Reptiles.” This epoch is...
Mesozoic Era (252 – 66 million years ago)
The Mesozoic Era, often referred to as the “Age of Reptiles,” spans a remarkable period from approximately 252 to 66 million years ago. This era is divided into three distinct periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. It is characterised by...
Permian Epoch (299 – 252 million years ago) – Pangaea forms; mass extinction wipes out ~90% of species.
The Permian Epoch, spanning from approximately 299 to 252 million years ago, represents the final period of the Paleozoic Era. This epoch is characterised by significant geological, climatic, and biological changes that laid the groundwork for the Mesozoic Era. The...
Carboniferous Epoch (359 – 299 million years ago) – Large coal forests; first reptiles.
The Carboniferous Epoch, spanning from approximately 359 to 299 million years ago, is a significant period in Earth’s geological history, marking a time of profound ecological and atmospheric transformation. This epoch is primarily characterised by the extensive...
Devonian Epoch (419 – 359 million years ago) – First amphibians; forests spread.
The Devonian Epoch, often referred to as the “Age of Fishes,” spanned from approximately 419 to 359 million years ago. This period is a significant chapter in Earth’s geological history, marking a time of profound evolutionary change and...
Silurian Epoch (443 – 419 million years ago) – First land plants and insects evolve.
The Silurian Epoch, spanning from approximately 443 to 419 million years ago, represents a significant chapter in the geological history of our planet. It follows the Ordovician Period and precedes the Devonian Period, forming part of the Paleozoic Era. The name...