Archaeology

The Cretaceous period, spanning from approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, is the last geological period of the Mesozoic Era, following the Jurassic period and preceding the Paleogene period.

The Permian period, occurring approximately 299 to 252 million years ago, signifies the final epoch of the Paleozoic era, pre-dating the Mesozoic era, and is known for its immense biodiversity and the eventual mass extinction event.

The Carboniferous Period, spanning from approximately 359.2 to 299 million years ago, is a fascinating epoch in Earth's geologic history. Derived from the Latin word 'Carbonifer', meaning 'coal-bearing,' the period was named for its extensive coal beds.

The Silurian Era, one of the six Paleozoic eras, is an important period in Earth's history. Spanning from 443.8 million to 419.2 million years ago, it saw significant changes in the planet's biodiversity, climate, and geographical features.

The Cambrian Period, roughly 541 to 485.4 million years ago, marks a significant era in the history of life on Earth[1]. During this time, a remarkable explosion of diversity occurred, with the first appearance of many multicellular organisms and early forms of many major groups of animals alive today.

The Devonian Period, roughly spanning from 419.2 million to 358.9 million years ago, is often referred to as the "Age of Fishes". It witnessed a significant increase in the diversity of marine life forms and a shift in the continental configuration, all of which have significantly impacted life on Earth.

The Jurassic Period, extending from about 200 million to 145 million years ago, is the middle segment of the Mesozoic Era, sandwiched between the Triassic and the Cretaceous Periods.

The Holocene is the current geological epoch, extending from around 11,700 years ago following the last major ice age until now. Its beginning marks the advent of a warm period that has remained relatively stable, providing a favorable environment for the flourishing of human civilization.

In the context of the geological time scale, a 'period' is a substantial, but not the largest, division of time that is recognized for its unique geological conditions. Each period in the Earth's history is characterized by specific changes in the planet's geology and biosphere.

An epoch is a unit of time that demarcates specific eras, with each epoch characterizing a unique stage in the timeline of the universe, planet, or any other entity. In geology, epochs are used to subdivide the eras of the geologic time scale into smaller segments to present a more detailed view of Earth's history.

The Ordovician era, spanning from about 485.4 million to 443.8 million years ago, was an essential part of Earth's history. Distinguished by significant evolutionary diversification and climatic events, this period marks the second of six ages in the Paleozoic era.