Paleogene

The Paleogene is a geological period that spans from about 66 to 23 million years ago. It is a part of the larger Cenozoic era and is known for significant changes in the Earth's climate, as well as the evolution and diversification of many modern plant and animal groups.

Key Events and Features of the Paleogene Period

• Climate Change: The Paleogene is marked by significant climate changes, including the transition from a greenhouse to icehouse climate state.
• Flowering Plants: The Paleogene saw the rapid diversification and spread of flowering plants, which became the dominant vegetation on Earth.
• Mammalian Evolution: Many modern mammal groups, including primates, rodents, and carnivores, appeared and diversified during the Paleogene.
• Extinction Events: The end of the Paleogene was marked by the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, which had a significant impact on the Earth's biodiversity, including the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs.

Study Guide Questions

1. What is the timeframe of the Paleogene period?
2. How did the climate change during the Paleogene?
3. What is the significance of flowering plants in the Paleogene?
4. What major mammal groups appeared and diversified during the Paleogene?
5. What was the impact of the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event?

[Paleogene] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Geologic timeScience • Eighth Grade