The newest layer of the Earth's major geological groupings is the Cenozoic Era.
The Earth's geological history is divided into eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages. These divisions represent significant changes in the Earth's geology, climate, and life forms. The reference provided identifies three relatively recent eras: Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic. To determine the "newest," it's essential to understand their relative order:
- Paleozoic Era: This era began about 541 million years ago and lasted until approximately 251.9 million years ago.
- Mesozoic Era: Following the Paleozoic, the Mesozoic Era spanned from about 251.9 to 66 million years ago.
- Cenozoic Era: The Cenozoic Era began roughly 66 million years ago and continues to the present day.
Therefore, since the Cenozoic Era is ongoing, it is considered the newest of the three.
