Planet Earth - Quaternary Period - Parish Notices

The Quaternary Period runs from 2.588 million years to the present day (2012) and is split into two epochs, these being the Pleistocene (2.588 to 0.0118 million years ago) and the Holocene (0.0118 to AD 2012). These epochs will be examined in greater detail, later in this blog, where they will be further subdivided into ages. Details to come...

Planet Earth - Neogene Period

The Neogene Period runs from 23.03 to 2.588 million years ago. We are getting closer to the 21st Century. Details of this era to come...

According to Alylwyn Scally of the Sanger Institute, in an article in the New Scientist, "15 million years ago was a good time to be an ape" as the climate and vegetation parameters helped to expand the geographical location and the diversity of these creatures. But as we have learned, from past extinctions and other historic events, when a parameter such as climate changes this has a knock on effect to the creature - be it through the change in population and social structure of the animal, the evolution of the animal or the decision for the animal to find a creative solution to continue life.

It is thought around 10 million years ago (according to an article in the New Scientist) the creatures, known as gorillas, split from their other common ancestors, the chimpanzees and the humans. 

8 to 6 million years ago, it is thought that humans and chimpanzees shared a common ancestor.

6.42 million years ago, it is estimated as the origin of bipedalism (walking on two legs rather than four).

4 million years ago, the creatures that were later called Australopithecines appear on the planet. The fossilised remains suggest a cerebral volume of between 400 to 500 cubic centimetres. Current brain volume is around 1300 cubic centimetres.

3.3 million years ago was the evolution of the crab or pubic louse (Pthirus pubis) and it was suggested that this may have promoted the loss of body hair on humans. An article, quotes Dr. Pagel, in the New York Times suggests that the lack of body hair acts like an advert for healthy skin - "No fleas, lice or ticks on me!" Although, there are many theories as to why fur was lost, which will be touched on later.


2.6 million years ago is the estimated date of the oldest known stone tool...more details to come.

Planet Earth - Paleogene Period

The Paleogene Periods runs from 65.5 to 23.03 million years ago. Details to come...

Planet Earth - Cenozoic Era - Parish Notices

The Cenozoic Era ran from 65.5 miilion years ago to the present day (2012) and is split up into three periods - these being the Paleogene, the Neogene and the Quaternary. These are looked into greater detail in further entries in this blog.

Planet Earth - Cretaceous Period

The Cretaceous Period ran from 146 to 65.5 million years ago. Details to come...

Planet Earth - Jurassic Period

The Jurassic Period, the one that people tend to know either due to Michael Crichton or Steven Spielberg, ran from 200 to 146 million years ago. Details to come...

Planet Earth - Triassic Period

The Triassic Period runs from 251 to 200 million years ago. Details to come...