It would have spanned millions years of history, from the Precambrian Era when land was barren and devoid of life to the age when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

BBC: Fragments of ancient continent buried under Indian Ocean

" Even the barren Moon is essential: "Without the Moon's steadying influence, the Earth would wobble like a dying top ...

FORBES: Magazine Article

" Even the barren Moon is essential: "Without the Moon's steadying influence, the Earth would wobble like a dying top.... The Moon's steady gravitational influence keeps the Earth spinning at the right speed and angle to provide the sort of stability necessary for the long and successful development of life.

FORBES: Fact & Comment