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What Era Is Today?

Published in Geology 2 mins read

Today is in the Cenozoic Era.

The Cenozoic Era is the most recent of the three major subdivisions of Earth's history (the others being the Mesozoic and Paleozoic Eras). It began approximately 66 million years ago, following the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs, and continues to the present day. The Cenozoic Era is often referred to as the "Age of Mammals" because of the diversification and dominance of mammals during this period.

The Cenozoic Era is further divided into periods, epochs, and ages. The two periods are:

  • Paleogene Period: This period includes the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene Epochs.

  • Neogene Period: This period includes the Miocene and Pliocene Epochs. (Sometimes the Quaternary Period is used instead of the Neogene)

Following the Neogene (or within it, depending on classification), the Quaternary Period encompasses:

  • Pleistocene Epoch: Characterized by repeated glacial cycles.

  • Holocene Epoch: The current epoch, which began about 11,700 years ago after the last glacial period.

Therefore, more specifically, we are currently in the Holocene Epoch of the Quaternary Period, within the larger Cenozoic Era. The Cenozoic Era is characterized by significant geological and climatic changes, as well as the evolution of modern plants and animals, including humans.

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