Cenozoic Era

The Cenozoic Era is the most recent of the three major geological eras, spanning from about 66 million years ago to the present. It is also referred to as the "Age of Mammals" due to the diversification and dominance of mammalian life forms during this time period.

Key Events

During the Cenozoic Era, several significant events shaped the Earth's geology and biodiversity:

1. End-Cretaceous Extinction: The era began with a mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs and many other species, leading to the rise of mammals and birds.
2. Continental Drift: The continents continued to drift apart, leading to the formation of modern-day landmasses.
3. Climate Change: The Earth underwent significant climate changes, including periods of cooling and warming that influenced the evolution and distribution of flora and fauna.
4. Hominid Evolution: The Cenozoic saw the emergence and diversification of early hominids, eventually leading to the appearance of modern humans.

Geological Epochs

The Cenozoic Era is divided into three major epochs:

• Paleogene: This epoch began immediately after the extinction of the dinosaurs and witnessed the diversification of mammals, birds, and early primates.
• Neogene: During this epoch, grasses and savannas became widespread, and early human ancestors, such as Australopithecus, appeared in Africa.
• Quaternary: The most recent epoch, characterized by the appearance and spread of Homo sapiens (modern humans) and the onset of the Pleistocene ice ages.

Study Guide

To understand the Cenozoic Era, it's important to focus on the following topics:

1. The impact of the End-Cretaceous extinction event on the Earth's ecosystems and the subsequent rise of mammals.
2. The role of climate change in influencing the evolution and distribution of plant and animal species during the Cenozoic.
3. The major geological events, such as continental drift, that shaped the landscape of the Earth during this era.
4. The key developments in early hominid evolution and the emergence of modern humans during the Quaternary epoch.

By studying these topics, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the Cenozoic Era and its significance in the history of life on Earth.