Cenozoic Era

The Cenozoic Era is the most recent of the three major subdivisions of Earth's history. It began about 66 million years ago and continues to the present day. The Cenozoic Era is also referred to as the "Age of Mammals" because of the diversification of mammals during this time.

Geological Periods of the Cenozoic Era

The Cenozoic Era is divided into three periods:

1. Paleogene Period: This period lasted from about 66 to 23 million years ago. It is further divided into the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene epochs.
2. Neogene Period: Following the Paleogene Period, the Neogene Period spanned from about 23 to 2.6 million years ago. It includes the Miocene and Pliocene epochs.
3. Quaternary Period: The most recent period of the Cenozoic Era, the Quaternary Period, began about 2.6 million years ago and continues to the present day. It includes the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs.

Key Events and Characteristics

During the Cenozoic Era, several significant events and developments occurred, including:

• Diversification and dominance of mammals
• Emergence and evolution of primates, including early hominids
• Climate fluctuations and the onset of ice ages during the Quaternary Period
• Continued continental drift and the formation of modern continents
• Extinction of non-avian dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous Period, marking the beginning of the Cenozoic Era

Study Guide

When studying the Cenozoic Era, consider the following key points:

1. Identify the major periods and epochs of the Cenozoic Era, and understand the geological and biological events associated with each.
2. Examine the impact of climate change and geological processes on the evolution of mammals and other life forms during the Cenozoic Era.
3. Explore the connections between the Cenozoic Era and human evolution, including the emergence of early hominids and the development of modern humans.
4. Investigate the evidence for past climate conditions and environmental changes during the Cenozoic Era, including the study of fossils, geological formations, and isotopic data.
5. Consider the implications of the Cenozoic Era for the present and future, including the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss on modern ecosystems.