The Whole History of the Earth and Life 【Newest Edition】

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Earth and life, as presented in the documentary by Kaoru GreenEmerald. It traces the formation of the solar system and the Earth, the evolution of life, and future predictions for our planet. This guide will break down the key events and processes, making it easier to understand the timeline and significance of each phase.

Step 1: Formation of the Earth and Solar System

• 4.567 billion years ago: The Solar System is formed.
• 4.56 billion years ago: Earth takes shape.
• 4.55 billion years ago: A giant impact occurs, which plays a crucial role in shaping Earth's early environment.

Step 2: Initiation of Plate Tectonics

• 4.37 to 4.20 billion years ago:
  • Formation of the atmosphere and oceans begins, setting the stage for life.
  • The initiation of plate tectonics, which will influence geological and biological processes.

Step 3: Birth of Proto-life

• 4.10 billion years ago: The first proto-life forms emerge, indicating the beginnings of biological processes on Earth.

Step 4: Initial Stage of Life

• 4.37 to 4.20 billion years ago:
  • Loss of the primordial continent occurs, alongside the generation of a strong geomagnetic field, which protects early life.
• 4.20 billion years ago: Sun-powered life starts to emerge.
• 4.10 billion years ago: A mass extinction event occurs, reshaping life on the planet.

Step 5: Second Stage of Evolution of Life

• 2.90 billion years ago: Photosynthetic life emerges, significantly impacting Earth’s atmosphere.
• 2.70 billion years ago: Mantle overturn happens, influencing geological activity.

Step 6: Third Stage of Evolution of Life

• 2.30 billion years ago: Another mass extinction occurs due to the "snowball Earth" phenomenon, affecting global temperatures and habitats.
• 2.10 billion years ago: Transition from prokaryotic to eukaryotic life forms, marking a significant evolutionary step.

Step 7: The Dawn of the Cambrian Explosion

• 1.90 to 0.80 billion years ago: Formation of a supercontinent occurs, leading to significant geological changes.
• 700 to 600 million years ago: The Sturtian Glaciation and subsequent environmental changes, termed "The Leaking Earth."

Step 8: The Cambrian Explosion

• 640 million years ago: Multicellular life originates, leading to increased biodiversity.
• 580 million years ago: Appearance of Ediacaran fauna, complex life forms start to thrive.
• 550 million years ago: Organisms evolve in response to environmental changes, leading to the first Cambrian organisms.

Step 9: The Paleozoic Era

• 600 million years ago: Habitats expand, leading to increased biodiversity.
• 540 million years ago: Co-evolution of plants and insects occurs.
• 260 to 250 million years ago: The largest mass extinction of the Phanerozoic Eon happens, linked to a collision with a dark nebula.

Step 10: From the Mesozoic to the Birth of Human Beings

• Continental dispersion and amalgamation lead to new evolutionary paths.
• 66 million years ago: Dinosaurs go extinct, paving the way for mammals.

Step 11: The Humanozoic Eon

• Evolution into primates marks the beginning of human lineage.
• 10,000 years ago: The Agricultural Revolution transforms human society.
• 5,000 years ago: The Urban Revolution brings about the rise of cities.
• 2,400 years ago: The Religious Revolution shapes cultural and spiritual beliefs.
• 300 years ago: The Industrial Revolution transforms economies and societies.
• The ongoing Information Revolution continues to reshape human interaction and knowledge.

Step 12: Future of the Earth

• Explore challenges facing human society and environmental sustainability.
• Predictions for Earth:
  • 200 million years later: Formation of a new supercontinent.
  • 400 million years later: Extinction of C4 plants.
  • 1 billion years later: Cessation of plate tectonics.
  • 1.5 billion years later: Disappearance of oceans.
  • 4.5 billion years later: Collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies.
  • 8 billion years later: Annihilation of Earth.

Conclusion

The history of Earth and life is a complex tapestry of events that have shaped our planet and its inhabitants over billions of years. Understanding this timeline not only provides insight into our past but also highlights the challenges and transformations that lie ahead. For further exploration, consider delving into specific events or periods mentioned in this guide to gain a deeper understanding of Earth's history and its future.