Infratiidia

Infratiidia is a proposed geological epoch or subdivision of time within the Precambrian supereon, specifically within the Proterozoic eon. It is a period of Earth's history that would encompass the time from approximately 1.8 billion years ago to 1.6 billion years ago. The term "infratiidia" has not been formally adopted by the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), the body responsible for defining Earth's geological timescale.

The concept of the Infratiidia epoch arises from the study of ancient rock formations and paleomagnetic data, which help scientists reconstruct the conditions and events of early Earth. This period is characterized by significant geological and biological developments. The formation of continents was well underway, with the assembly and breakup of supercontinents potentially occurring during this time. The atmosphere was also undergoing changes, likely with increasing levels of oxygen due to the activity of photosynthetic organisms.

From a biological perspective, the Infratiidia would have witnessed the continued evolution of prokaryotic life. While eukaryotic cells had likely emerged by this time, complex multicellular organisms were still in the distant future. The rock record from this era provides clues about early life forms, including stromatolites, which are layered structures formed by the growth of cyanobacteria. Further research and consensus among geologists are needed before the Infratiidia can be officially incorporated into the geological timescale.