Certainly! The Phanerozoic eon is the current eon in geological time, spanning approximately 542 million years ago to the present day. It is characterized by advancements in life forms, including the diversification of animals and the emergence of complex ecosystems. The eon is divided into three eras: the Paleozoic era, the Mesozoic era, and the Cenozoic era. Each era is marked by significant geological and biological events, including the evolution and extinction of various species.
Some key events from the Phanerozoic eon include:
- The Cambrian explosion: a sudden diversification in animal life that occurred around 541 million years ago.
- The extinction of the dinosaurs: a mass extinction that occurred around 66 million years ago, wiping out most non-avian dinosaurs and paving the way for the diversification of mammals.
- The emergence of humans: the evolution of Homo sapiens, which occurred around 300,000 years ago.
Sources:
- Gradstein, F., Ogg, J., Schmitz, M., & Ogg, G. (2012). The geologic timescale 2012. Elsevier.
- Hallam, A., & Wignall, P. B. (2019). Mass extinctions and their aftermath. Oxford University Press.
- Knoll, A. H., & Bambach, R. K. (2000). Directionality in the history of life: diffusion from the left wall or repeated scaling of the right? Paleobiology, 26(4), 482-502.
- Sepkoski, J. J. (1982). A compendium of fossil marine animal genera. Bulletins of American Paleontology, 363(1-2), 1-560.
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