Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only place known to support life. Around 29% of Earth's surface is land consisting of continents and islands, while the remaining 71% is covered by oceans, seas, lakes and rivers. Earth's outer layer is made up of tectonic plates that migrate over millions of years, and its interior remains active with a solid iron core and convecting mantle. Earth's atmosphere consists mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, and greenhouse gases play an important role in regulating surface temperatures. The Moon stabilizes Earth's orientation and causes ocean tides, and Earth orbits the Sun in 365 days. Life first appeared on Earth over 4 billion years ago and has since evolved into many species, though