What factors have caused Earth to evolve over geologic time?

Earth, the planet:

1. Collision of Earth with Mars-sized planet.

2. Formation of the Moon and its gravitational effects.

3. Cooling and solidification of Earth's molten outer surface.

4. Period of intense asteroid bombardment.

5. Build-up of liquid water on Earth's surface.

6. Appearance of continents.

7. Start of plate tectonics.

8. Appearance of photosynthetic bacteria.

9. Change in atmosphere due to photosynthetic bacteria.

10. Widespread appearance of complex organisms.

11. Adaptation of plant and animal life to land.

12. Periods of intense, long-lasting volcanic activity.

13. Re-positioning of Earth's continents and oceans, and its

resultant effect on weather patterns and ocean circulation.

14. Changes in Earth's magnetic fields.

15. Changes in Earth's orientation to the sun.

16. Random devastating meteorite impacts.

17. Glaciations, floods, earthquakes.

Life: Abundance, Diversity and Extinction of different species in response to changing climatic, ecologic and edaphic conditions.