Cenozoic
Cenozoic
Cenozoic (pronounced: /ˌsiːnəˈzoʊɪk, ˌsɛ-/), from the Greek words "kainos" (new) and "zoe" (life), is the current and most recent of the three Phanerozoic geological eras, following the Mesozoic Era and covering the period from 66 million years ago to the present day. The Cenozoic is also known as the Age of Mammals, because the form and size of mammals took on a modern appearance during this era.
Etymology
The term "Cenozoic" comes from the Greek words "kainos" (new) and "zoe" (life). It was first used in 1840 by the British geologist John Phillips.
Divisions
The Cenozoic spans 66 million years, divided into three periods: the Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary; and seven epochs: the Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene, and Holocene.
Paleogene Period
The Paleogene Period (66 to 23.03 million years ago) is characterized by the evolution and diversification of mammals following the extinction of dinosaurs.
Neogene Period
The Neogene Period (23.03 to 2.58 million years ago) is marked by the further evolution of mammals and the emergence of the genus Homo.
Quaternary Period
The Quaternary Period (2.58 million years ago to the present) is characterized by several periods of glaciation (the "Ice Ages") and the evolution of humans.
Flora and Fauna
The Cenozoic saw the rise of a great diversity of plant and animal life. The early part of the era was dominated by mammals, birds, and flowering plants, while the latter part saw the rise of humans.
Climate
The climate of the Cenozoic Era has been a long-term cooling. The beginning of the era was marked by the warmest period in Earth's history since the Cambrian Period, but this was followed by a gradual cooling that has continued to the present day.
See also
References
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