{"id":9175,"date":"2023-09-06T16:47:26","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T16:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=9175"},"modified":"2024-01-24T06:00:50","modified_gmt":"2024-01-24T06:00:50","slug":"earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/","title":{"rendered":"Earth&#8217;s Geological Evolution &#8211; Eons in Motion &#8211; Geography Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-geography?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Geography\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/14.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/14.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/14-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/14-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Earth&#8217;s geological evolution is a captivating narrative that unfolds across vast spans of time, shaping the very foundation of our planet. Eons in motion, this epic saga encompasses a dynamic interplay of geological forces, from the molten depths of the Earth&#8217;s interior to the sculpting touch of wind and water on its surface. The tapestry of Earth&#8217;s geological history is woven with the threads of continental drift, volcanic eruptions, and the relentless dance of tectonic plates. As we delve into the pages of this narrative, we discover how the planet has undergone profound transformations, giving rise to diverse landscapes and ecosystems. These geological revelations not only unveil the Earth&#8217;s ancient past but also provide essential insights into the forces that continue to shape our world today. In this exploration of Earth&#8217;s geological evolution, we embark on a journey through time, witnessing the remarkable forces that have molded our planet into the awe-inspiring masterpiece we call home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d51fb015ac8\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d51fb015ac8\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#Earth_Geological_History\" title=\"Earth Geological History\">Earth Geological History<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#Evidence_of_the_Earths_Sphericity\" title=\"Evidence of the Earth\u2019s Sphericity\">Evidence of the Earth\u2019s Sphericity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#The_main_geological_events_in_the_history_of_Earth_can_be_categorized_into_the_following_eras\" title=\"The main geological events in the history of Earth can be categorized into the following eras:\">The main geological events in the history of Earth can be categorized into the following eras:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#Precambrian_Era\" title=\"Precambrian Era:&nbsp;\">Precambrian Era:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#Paleozoic_Era\" title=\"Paleozoic Era:\">Paleozoic Era:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#Paleozoic_Era_Ancient_Life\" title=\"Paleozoic Era (Ancient Life)\">Paleozoic Era (Ancient Life)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#Mesozoic_Era\" title=\"Mesozoic Era:&nbsp;\">Mesozoic Era:&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#Mass_Extinction_Event\" title=\"Mass Extinction Event\">Mass Extinction Event<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#Cenozoic_Era\" title=\"Cenozoic Era:&nbsp;\">Cenozoic Era:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#Origin_and_Evolution_of_Man\" title=\"Origin and Evolution of Man\">Origin and Evolution of Man<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#1_FAQ_What_are_the_major_eons_in_Earths_geological_evolution_and_what_significant_events_characterize_each_eon\" title=\"1. FAQ: What are the major eons in Earth&#8217;s geological evolution, and what significant events characterize each eon?\">1. FAQ: What are the major eons in Earth&#8217;s geological evolution, and what significant events characterize each eon?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#2_FAQ_How_did_plate_tectonics_contribute_to_Earths_geological_evolution_over_the_eons\" title=\"2. FAQ: How did plate tectonics contribute to Earth&#8217;s geological evolution over the eons?\">2. FAQ: How did plate tectonics contribute to Earth&#8217;s geological evolution over the eons?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#3_FAQ_How_have_Earths_climate_and_life_evolved_hand-in-hand_throughout_geological_history\" title=\"3. FAQ: How have Earth&#8217;s climate and life evolved hand-in-hand throughout geological history?\">3. FAQ: How have Earth&#8217;s climate and life evolved hand-in-hand throughout geological history?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/earths-geological-evolution-eons-in-motion-geography-notes\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Earth_Geological_History\"><\/span><strong>Earth Geological History<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>The universe is very old \u2013 almost 13 billion years old. Huge clusters of galaxies comprise the universe.<\/li><li>The Big Bang theory attempts to explain to us the origin of the universe. It talks of a singular huge explosion unimaginable in physical terms.<\/li><li>The universe expanded and hence, the temperature came down. Hydrogen and Helium formed sometime later.<\/li><li>The gasses condensed under gravitation and formed the galaxies of the present-day universe.<\/li><li>The Earth is estimated to have formed around 4.54 billion years ago, and at that time it had no atmosphere. As the Earth&#8217;s surface cooled, volcanic activity released gasses such as methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, which formed the early atmosphere.<\/li><li>Over time, the ultraviolet radiation from the sun caused the water vapor in the atmosphere to break down into hydrogen and oxygen, with the lighter hydrogen gas escaping into space. The oxygen then combined with the other gasses in the atmosphere to form water, carbon dioxide, and other compounds.<\/li><li>This process, along with other geological and biological processes, gradually transformed the Earth&#8217;s atmosphere into the composition we know today, with oxygen comprising around 21% of the air and carbon dioxide playing a key role in regulating the planet&#8217;s temperature and climate.<\/li><li>The first non-cellular forms of life could have originated 3 billion years back. They would have been giant molecules (RNA, Protein, Polysaccharides, etc.). These capsules reproduced their molecules perhaps.<\/li><li>The first cellular form of life did not possibly originate till about 2000 million years ago. These were probably single cells. All life forms were in a water environment only.<\/li><li>The <strong>mechanisms <\/strong>of evolution and the history of life on Earth is a<strong> fascinating and ongoing<\/strong> area of scientific research, with important implications for our understanding of biology, ecology, and the environment.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/wXQEl0fSu34okzbcttb8Ap7GcHpxph1zKfm8AhPAlF8ncmf9SYy1lSzF5d4j2SwvcjOypWfy5F5BNwKNbNMsw8nmOti7OrsVV91Jgr5vpXRYsQd_v8-Mh6twPxZ6tPlt5A-39N5j2rECtJ13JWUHJv4\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evidence_of_the_Earths_Sphericity\"><\/span><strong>Evidence of the Earth\u2019s Sphericity<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many ways to prove that Earth is spherical. The following are some of them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. The Sun and the other planets in the Solar System are all spherical in shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. If the Earth was flat, then all the places on the Earth would have had sunrise and sunset exactly at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. If we watch a ship approaching the land, first we see the smoke of the ship (as the entire ship lies below the line of sight) and gradually the entire ship, as it comes up over the horizon. If the Earth was flat, we would have been able to see the whole ship at a Time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. A circular shadow observed during the lunar eclipse can only be cast by a spherical Body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. If you look around from any place, whether a mountain, a level plain, or top of a very tall buildings, the horizon will always appear circular. This is possible only in the case of a spherical body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6. Magellan\u2019s circumnavigation in 1520 proved that the Earth is spherical in shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>7. Engineers when driving poles of equal length at regular intervals on the ground have found that they do not give a perfect horizontal level. The center pole normally projects slightly above the poles at either end because of the curvature of the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>8. Nowadays, when you can see the Earth in its true perspective from outer space, the fact that the shape of the Earth is spherical needs no further proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_main_geological_events_in_the_history_of_Earth_can_be_categorized_into_the_following_eras\"><\/span><strong>The main geological events in the history of Earth can be categorized into the following eras:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PRE-CAMBRIAN<\/strong> \u2013 88% of earth\u2019s history<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Paleozoic (ancient life)<\/strong> \u2013 544 million years ago, lasted 300 million yrs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mesozoic (middle life)<\/strong> \u2013 245 million years ago, lasted 180 million yrs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cenozoic (recent life) \u2013<\/strong>&nbsp; 65 million years ago, continues through the present day. Today we are in the Holocene Epoch of the Quaternary Period of the Cenozoic Era.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/V9NI6mo6JBJBu2PVTJ6Ojpk_a2iI4M--c5tyMCHYuOXbBh8xn6hjQQ5bk0baPdxj_WN7uR28VeIaqskPHty-7-zI3h2ly51nTz9nF-wc9zosZfPj8j1mQTWhyzKNWwXgKoJlLGxi1i9WLL8f6sKAxUU\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Precambrian_Era\"><\/span><strong> Precambrian Era<\/strong>:&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>This is the <strong>longest era<\/strong> of the classification of the history of Earth. It marks the origin of the earth. This era ended 570 million years ago.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The chief events that took place in this era include the formation of crust, continents, and oceans, the origin of life, the formation of the present-day atmosphere, etc.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paleozoic_Era\"><\/span><strong>Paleozoic Era<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pre- Cambrian Era was followed by <strong>Paleozoic Era<\/strong>. This era contains six time periods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>(i) Cambrian period<\/li><li>(ii) Ordovician period<\/li><li>(iii) Silurian period<\/li><li>(iv) Devonian period<\/li><li>(v) Carboniferous period<\/li><li>(iv) Permian period<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paleozoic_Era_Ancient_Life\"><\/span><strong>Paleozoic Era (Ancient Life)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>The <strong>Cambrian Period<\/strong>, which began around <strong>541 million<\/strong> years ago, marked a significant shift in the history of life on Earth.&nbsp;<\/li><li>It was the <strong>first period <\/strong>of the Paleozoic Era, and during this time, there was an <strong>explosion <\/strong>of life in the oceans. Many new forms of marine animals appeared, including the first trilobites, brachiopods, and chordates.<\/li><li>During the Cambrian, most of the continents were covered in warm, shallow seas, providing an ideal environment for the development of marine life.<\/li><li><strong>Invertebrates<\/strong> were dominant, with<strong> fish emerging<\/strong> towards the end of the period, leading to the arrival of amphibians in the subsequent periods of the Paleozoic Era.<\/li><li>The end of the Paleozoic Era, around 252 million years ago, is known as the &#8220;Age of Amphibians,&#8221; as they were the dominant land animals at that time.&nbsp;<\/li><li>During the Paleozoic, there was also a significant development of early land plants, including mosses, ferns, and cone-bearing plants, which formed the basis of the early coal-forming forests that would become so important in later geological periods.<\/li><li>Possible Causes of this Mass Extinction Event<ul><li><strong>Lowering of sea levels<\/strong> when the continents were rejoined as Pangaea (convergent boundary)<\/li><li>Increased <strong>volcanic activity<\/strong> (ash and dust)<\/li><li>Climate changes \u2013 <strong>cooler climate<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/QZsG7x_VAYPIlccjFt4CVQfEU4qhd0wig17F7KHwVuSbSgjuNP538wlmnVdc82CI1iIYbVU_f2QPucXlKucrgGLSc1clTyCh7volahEd-yl9hYKm4lxnn5-olZ5FZn1szSH-HvkBs-ykO2YH3pYH1fk\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mesozoic_Era\"><\/span><strong> Mesozoic Era<\/strong>:&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>This era started about <strong>225 million<\/strong> years ago and ended about <strong>65 million<\/strong> years ago. This era includes three main periods :<ul><li>(i) Triassic period<\/li><li>(ii) Jurassic period<\/li><li>(iii) Cretaceous period<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>The <strong>Mesozoic Era<\/strong>, also known as the <strong>Age of Reptiles<\/strong>, began around <strong>252 million<\/strong> years ago and lasted for about <strong>180 million<\/strong> years.&nbsp;<\/li><li>At the beginning of the era, the continents were joined together to form a <strong>single supercontinen<\/strong>t called Pangaea.&nbsp;<\/li><li>During the <strong>Mesozoic<\/strong>, reptiles became the most <strong>abundant<\/strong> animals on land, largely due to their ability to adapt to the drier climate of the time.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Dinosaurs<\/strong> were also very active during the <strong>Mesozoic Era<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The end of the <strong>Mesozoic Era<\/strong> is marked by a mass extinction event known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event (K-Pg extinction event).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/eUQ_M08vb-Rp8NzhP72_lHKYz8mefzPR1aSGrKCzGOs0f3vPypN9YHZty67Jdoq8gSRY4qtxmplsoRoqOTItQbjC0XmnBA81jw5vGr4ucYrrK5q83-72PbM3ZlLjxmjrIf--ZtouaEj45YO0VR2vBC8\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-cse-gs-integrated-course?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Integrated\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42401 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-585x137.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/300;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mass_Extinction_Event\"><\/span><strong>Mass Extinction Event<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Asteroid or Comet<\/strong> collides with Earth.<\/li><li>A huge <strong>cloud <\/strong>of smoke and dust fills the air<\/li><li><strong>Blocks out sunlight<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Plants <\/strong>die and <strong>Animals<\/strong> that eat plants die<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>However, not all forms of life died during this event. Many animals that you see today are descendants from the survivors of this extinction event<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cenozoic_Era\"><\/span><strong>Cenozoic Era:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>This era is the last in the classification. It started about 65 million years ago.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The Cenozoic era is made up of two periods: The tertiary period and the <strong>Quaternary period<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The Tertiary period contains the following five epochs :<ul><li>(i) Paleocene<\/li><li>(ii) Eocene<\/li><li>(iii) Oligocene&nbsp;<\/li><li>(iv) Miocene&nbsp;<\/li><li>(v) Pliocene<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/F8vnXZEKx15m7lriFwy4cp4jCJYjA3DHkNqfM2QU30ttxXuV6eEP_Qe-NLv54H9uwr166Vpqxo8F5e99H9PKVFdaOLvyDMus9yf2ojhheus9iO_XCovusSBhqQUBj7IonPWFc8oAo9t0rdjSoxilOqg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>The Quaternary period can be divided into two epochs: <strong>Pleistocene and Holocene<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The main developments of this era include the formation of the Rockies, the Himalayas, and the Alps, Australia splits away from Antarctica, and India collided with Asia. The current time can be put into the Cenozoic Era, Quaternary period, and Holocene Epoch.<\/li><li>This era is sometimes called the \u201cAge of Mammals\u201d.<\/li><li>Marine animal examples: Algae, Mollusks, Fish, and Mammals.<\/li><li>Land animal examples: Bats, Cats, Dogs, Cattle, and Humans.<\/li><li>Humans are thought to have appeared around 3.5 million years ago ( during the most recent period \u2013 Quaternary). Flowering plants were now the most common plant life.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Origin_and_Evolution_of_Man\"><\/span><strong>Origin and Evolution of Man<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Dryopithecus<\/strong> and <strong>Ramapithecus<\/strong> are not considered to be true primates, but rather part of the primate lineage that ultimately led to modern apes and humans. Additionally, Ramapithecus is no longer considered a direct ancestor of humans.<\/li><li>The <strong>first hominid <\/strong>discovered was actually Australopithecus africanus, which lived around <strong>2-3 million<\/strong> years ago and had a brain capacity of about <strong>450cc.<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Homo habili<\/strong>s, which lived around <strong>2.8-1.4 million<\/strong> years ago, is considered to be the <strong>first species<\/strong> in the <strong>Homo genus<\/strong> and had a brain capacity of around <strong>600-700cc.<\/strong> They are believed to have been tool-makers and may have eaten meat.<\/li><li><strong>Homo erectus<\/strong>, which lived around <strong>1.9 million to 143,000<\/strong> years ago, was the first species to leave Africa and spread throughout Asia and Europe.&nbsp;<\/li><li>They had a brain capacity of around <strong>600-1200cc <\/strong>and were likely the <strong>first species<\/strong> to use fire and make more complex tools.<\/li><li>Neanderthals, who lived in Europe and western Asia from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago, are a separate species from Homo sapiens and had a brain capacity of around 1200-1700cc.<\/li><li>They are known to have used tools, created art, and buried their dead, indicating a level of cultural sophistication.<\/li><li>Modern humans, or Homo sapiens, arose in Africa around 300,000 years ago and eventually spread throughout the world.&nbsp;<\/li><li>They have a brain capacity of around 1300-1600cc and are known for their cultural achievements, including art, music, and complex societies.<\/li><li>Agriculture actually began around 12,000 years ago, and human settlements began to develop shortly thereafter.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/GU3fYNXsweU_GnRiwLWNPj0OjBrHPuZU3AE3Ljpxc48BWFMxfJziOtTNmY3_0ZVqDWYnfxbP0Bs2HgEJaKvlkiLLXQjM6VYF2jtE3z_Uh_A-0CmTmAOmNtyGEWf8owWoJSPq8ODGhqzWcp6Uo1j4W6U\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_FAQ_What_are_the_major_eons_in_Earths_geological_evolution_and_what_significant_events_characterize_each_eon\"><\/span><strong>1. FAQ: What are the major eons in Earth&#8217;s geological evolution, and what significant events characterize each eon?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Earth&#8217;s geological evolution is divided into four major eons: Hadean, Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic. The Hadean Eon represents the formation of Earth, with intense volcanic activity and the potential for the origin of life. The Archean Eon is marked by the development of the first continents and the emergence of simple life forms. The Proterozoic Eon witnesses the formation of more complex life and the assembly of supercontinents. The Phanerozoic Eon, the current eon, is characterized by the proliferation of multicellular life, the development of diverse ecosystems, and the occurrence of major extinction events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_FAQ_How_did_plate_tectonics_contribute_to_Earths_geological_evolution_over_the_eons\"><\/span><strong>2. FAQ: How did plate tectonics contribute to Earth&#8217;s geological evolution over the eons?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Plate tectonics played a crucial role in shaping Earth&#8217;s geological evolution. During the Proterozoic and Phanerozoic Eons, the Earth&#8217;s lithosphere was divided into tectonic plates that moved and interacted. This movement led to various geological features such as mountain ranges, ocean basins, and earthquakes. Plate tectonics also influenced climate patterns by affecting ocean currents and atmospheric circulation. Additionally, the process of subduction and continental drift contributed to the formation and breakup of supercontinents, influencing the distribution of landmasses and the evolution of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_FAQ_How_have_Earths_climate_and_life_evolved_hand-in-hand_throughout_geological_history\"><\/span><strong>3. FAQ: How have Earth&#8217;s climate and life evolved hand-in-hand throughout geological history?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Earth&#8217;s climate and the evolution of life are intricately linked throughout its geological history. For instance, during the Proterozoic Eon, the emergence of photosynthetic bacteria led to the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere, transforming the planet&#8217;s climate. The development of complex multicellular life during the Phanerozoic Eon further influenced climate patterns through processes such as carbon sequestration. Conversely, climatic changes, such as glaciations and warming periods, had profound effects on the evolution and distribution of life forms, often leading to mass extinctions. The interplay between climate and life is a dynamic and ongoing process that continues to shape Earth&#8217;s geological and biological landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources, <a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li>\n<li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Earth&#8217;s geological evolution is a captivating narrative that unfolds across vast spans of time, shaping the very foundation of our planet. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":9843,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[261],"tags":[264,1075,232,140],"class_list":["post-9175","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-geography-general-studies","tag-geography","tag-geological-evolution","tag-upsc","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9175","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9175"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9175\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23264,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9175\/revisions\/23264"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9175"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9175"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}