Paleogene
Paleogene (pronounced: /ˈpeɪliəˌdʒiːn/), also known as the Paleogene period, is a geological epoch that occurred approximately 66 to 23 million years ago. It is the first of three epochs in the Cenozoic Era, followed by the Neogene and Quaternary periods.
Etymology
The term "Paleogene" is derived from the Greek words palaios (παλαιός), meaning "old", and genes (γένεσις), meaning "birth". This term was first proposed in 2004 by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) to replace the traditional term "Tertiary".
Overview
The Paleogene period is significant for being a time of major evolutionary change, particularly among mammals. It is during this period that many modern mammalian orders first appeared. The Paleogene is also marked by significant climatic changes, including a series of sudden global warming events known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM).
Subdivisions
The Paleogene period is subdivided into three epochs: the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene. Each of these epochs is further divided into ages, which represent smaller divisions of geological time.
Flora and Fauna
The Paleogene period saw the emergence and diversification of a number of new plant and animal groups. Among the notable flora of this period were the first appearances of many modern types of flowering plants. In terms of fauna, the Paleogene was a time of rapid mammalian diversification, with many modern orders of mammals, such as primates and cetaceans, first appearing during this time.
Climate
The climate during the Paleogene period was generally warm and humid, with tropical conditions extending to high latitudes. However, towards the end of the period, the climate began to cool, setting the stage for the ice ages of the Quaternary period.
See Also
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