Appendix

The Geologic Time Scale can provide context for us when studying biodiversity and phylogeny.

The time scale identifies eons, eras, periods, and epochs of geologic time ranging from the formation of the earth (4.6 billion years ago) to the current Holocene Epoch (beginning 11,700 years ago) of the Quaternary Period (beginning 2.6 million years ago) in the Cenozoic Era (beginning 66 million years ago).

The divisions of the geologic time scale are organized stratigraphically, with the oldest divisions at the bottom and the youngest at the top. GRI map abbreviations for each time division are in parentheses. Boundary ages are millions of years ago (MYA). Units mapped in the preserve are quite young and range from the Miocene through the Pleistocene and Holocene (all labelled in green).

From the work of a National Park Service employee and in public domain. Wikipedia Commons.