Geologic Timeline Reflection

While working on the geologic timeline, we were asked for the most significant events in Earth's history. I found that the Triassic Extinction was a very significant event in Earth's history. During the Triassic Extinction, it was estimated that 80% of species went extinct, although how this happened is unknown. This would have significantly impacted life and life's diversity in the following periods, especially since the Triassic Extinction allowed the rise and adaptive radiation of mammals. Another significant event in Earth's history is the Cambrian Explosion, which was an event that caused a lot of diversification in life. This also impacted the diversity of life in the next periods, and some of the Cambrian Explosion's impact is even seen today in organisms that have survived. Finally, the last significant event in Earth's history is the Great Oxygenation, an event in which cyanobacteria produced enough oxygen to influence the environment. This was very impactful, as there is now oxygen in the atmosphere due to this event. Without the Great Oxygenation, life would probably not have been able to become very complex.

Earth's history is very, very long. I was surprised by the how little happened near the formation of Earth, although it makes sense that there would be more events near the present time.

Even though we've been on the Earth for a very short time (on the geologic timeline, the period humans evolved in was barely a millimeter long), I think we have impacted the Earth a lot. Humans live basically everywhere, and there are so many people. Our habitat isn't just a forest or a desert, but basically the entire Earth. On top of that, we are causing climate change and hurting the environment. It's very interesting how much we managed to impact the planet in a tiny sliver of time.

I wonder if there are any more events that we just haven't discovered during the times near the formation of Earth, and if any other species could have changed Earth like humans did.