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Guide fossil: Stromatolites
Geological events: First atmospheric oxigen
Climate events: First glaciation -
They were the first photosynthetic organisms. They released oxygen into the atmosphere through photosynthesis, radically changing the composition of the planet. -
Great diversification of marine animals and the emergence of many current groups, especially trilobites, along with other groups such as brachiopods and echinoderms. -
Guide fossil: Trilobites
Geological events: Volcanic activity
Climate events: Global warming -
The first ancient coral reefs and the first land plants (similar to moss) emerged. Both milestones enabled the expansion of biodiversity and the colonization of dry land. -
Animals with a backbone, origin of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. -
This was the period of greatest aquatic diversification. Jaw-headed fish, primitive sharks, and armored fish (placoderms) emerged. It was crucial because the first animals to leave the water and move onto land evolved from them. -
They evolved from fish to walk on land, but they remain tied to the water to spawn. -
The egg with a shell appears, allowing them to live and reproduce far from water and conquer the continents. -
This was the era of greatest reptile dominance on land, in the sea, and in the air. Dinosaurs ruled the land, while giant reptiles like ichthyosaurs dominated the oceans, and pterosaurs ruled the skies. -
Guide fossil: Firts dinosaurs
Geological events: Pangea breaks up
Climate events: Elevated oxygen -
The supercontinent fragments, creating new oceans and isolating species. In this environment, the first birds evolve from small, feathered dinosaurs. -
The period ended abruptly
with the impact of an asteroid in Chicxulub, Mexico, causing the extinction of 75% of species, including non-avian dinosaurs. -
Guide fossil: Nummulites
Geological events: Glacier formed
Climate events: Last ice ages -
Mammals and flowering plants came to dominate the planet. Modern forests expanded, creating new habitats after the disappearance of the dinosaurs. -
The drier climate creates vast savannas. In this environment, the first hominids, ancestors of humankind, appear in Africa and begin to walk upright. -
The great ice ages occur and Homo sapiens emerges. Humans evolve technologically and become the dominant species on the planet