The Neoproterozoic is a geological period that lasted from about 1,000 to 541 million years ago. It is the last era of the Proterozoic Eon and is significant for the emergence of complex life forms. During this time, the Earth experienced major climatic changes, including the Snowball Earth events, where ice sheets covered much of the planet. This period also saw the rise of multicellular organisms, including early animals and algae. The Neoproterozoic is crucial for understanding the evolution of life, as it set the stage for the rapid diversification of species in the subsequent Phanerozoic Eon.