The
Cenozoic Era is the current geolgoic era of the Phanerozoic
Eon and extends from 65.5 Ma to the present. The Cenozoic
Eon is divided into three geologic periods that include the
Paleogene, Neogene and Quaternary. Cenozoic is derived from
the Greek terms for recent cen and animal zo (Borror,
1988, pp. 23 & 111). The Cenozoic is best known for the
appearance and diversification of modern mammal and bird
orders. Grasslands
first appear in the Cenozoic and greatly influenced the evolution
of many mammals. Many flowering plants and insects evolved
to be codependent. Humans first appear during the latter
part of this Era. You can explore the periods of this era
by clicking on the pictures below or using the drop down
menu.
Quarternary
Neogene
Paleogene
Bibliography
Borror,
D.J. (1988). Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining
Forms. California: Mayfield Publishing Company.