The Precambrian aeon is a geological era that spans over 4 billion years. It is divided into three periods: the Hadean, Archean, and Proterozoic. Synonyms for the Precambrian aeon include the Precambrian Era or simply Precambrian. It is also sometimes referred to as the Cryptozoic Era or Eon, which means "hidden life," as the oldest known fossils date back to the end of the Precambrian. The term "Boring Billion" has also been used to describe this era, as it was characterized by a lack of significant geological or biological changes. Despite this label, the Precambrian aeon played a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth.