Cenozoic
The Cenozoic era is the most recent of the three major eras of Earth's history, spanning from about 66 million years ago to the present day. It is often referred to as the "Age of Mammals" due to the diversification and dominance of mammals during this era. The Cenozoic era is divided into three periods: the Paleogene, the Neogene, and the Quaternary.
Paleogene Period
- Time Span: 66 to 23 million years ago
- Key Events: The evolution and diversification of early mammals, the rise of birds, and the spread of flowering plants.
Neogene Period
- Time Span: 23 to 2.6 million years ago
- Key Events: The diversification of mammals, the evolution of early hominids, and the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.
Quaternary Period
- Time Span: 2.6 million years ago to present
- Key Events: The Ice Ages, the evolution and migration of early humans, and the development of modern ecosystems.
Study Guide
- What are the three periods of the Cenozoic era and their respective time spans?
- Describe the key events that occurred during each period.
- Explain why the Cenozoic era is often referred to as the "Age of Mammals."
- Discuss the impact of the Ice Ages on the Quaternary period.
- Compare and contrast the Cenozoic era with earlier geological eras in terms of dominant life forms and key events.
◂Physics Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Magnetism
The resources above cover the following skills:
Concepts of Physical Science (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4)
The student demonstrates an understanding of the structure and properties of matter by describing atoms and their base components (i.e., protons, neutrons, electrons).
Concepts of Physical Science (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4)
The student demonstrates an understanding of the structure and properties of matter by using the periodic table to describe atoms in terms of their base components (i.e., protons, neutrons, electrons).