Study Extends Earth's Evolutionary Timeline by 1.5 Billion Years

New research reveals slow evolution during the 'Boring Billion' and rapid diversification after ancient ice ages.

Scientists have expanded the evolutionary chart of life on Earth to include the Proterozoic Eon, dating back nearly 2 billion years.
The study highlights the 'Boring Billion,' a period from 1.8 to 0.72 billion years ago when eukaryotic evolution was slow and species turnover rates were low.
Eukaryotic cells, which form the basis of multicellular life, underwent critical internal transformations during this time, setting the stage for future complexity.
Global ice ages between 720 and 635 million years ago triggered a surge in evolutionary activity and biodiversity after the planet thawed.
The findings raise key questions about the environmental and biological factors that influenced evolutionary pace, offering new insights into Earth's history.