The geological time scale is ordered from oldest to most recent. The sequence representing increasing geological time (from ancient to recent) is:

• Palaeozoic Era: This era is known as the "Age of Fishes and Amphibians" and marks the time when the first vertebrates appeared and diversified on land.

• Mesozoic Era: Known as the "Age of Reptiles," this era saw the rise and dominance of dinosaurs, as well as the appearance of the first mammals.

• Cenozoic Era: This is the current era, often called the "Age of Mammals" because mammals diversified and became the dominant large animals.