What characterizes the Cenozoic Era in terms of dominant life forms?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to identify the defining characteristic of the Cenozoic Era based on the dominant life forms present. It implies knowledge of geological time scales and the evolutionary history of different animal groups.
Answer
The Cenozoic Era is characterized by the dominance and diversification of mammals.
The Cenozoic Era, often called the "Age of Mammals," is characterized by the dominance and diversification of mammals. This era followed the extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period, which opened ecological niches that mammals evolved to fill.
Answer for screen readers
The Cenozoic Era, often called the "Age of Mammals," is characterized by the dominance and diversification of mammals. This era followed the extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period, which opened ecological niches that mammals evolved to fill.
More Information
The Cenozoic Era started approximately 66 million years ago and continues to the present day. Besides the prominence of mammals, it also saw significant developments in plants and other animal groups.
Tips
A common mistake is to only think of large mammals when considering the Cenozoic Era. While large mammals were dominant, the era is also characterized by the diversification of many mammal species, including smaller ones, and the evolution of other life forms.
Sources
- Cenozoic Era | Definition, Events, & Facts - Britannica - britannica.com
- Cenozoic Era - Mammals, Plants, Climate - Britannica - britannica.com
- Cenozoic era: Facts about climate, animals & plants | Live Science - livescience.com
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