Geological Time Chart

Because the earth is approximately four and a half (4.5) billion years old, and life has been on the earth for most of that time, there are many fossils from many time periods of long ago.  Fossils are found in just about every country in the world.  There are fossil animals ranging from tiny insects to whales.  There are fossil plants from small mosses to flowers, fruitand large trees.  Fossils can also be microscopic. Paleontology is not archaeology, with is the study of the history of human culture.  The study of fossils is very exciting, so let’s get started!

Geologic time charts are divided into various time periods that span the earth’s past.   The duration of these periods is given as millions of years ago.  These time periods were named and sectioned by geologists over the last two centuries.  The eons, eras, periods and epochs help scientists discuss and visualize the timing of the development of the diversity of animals, plants, and major events of the earth’s distant past.