cenozoic era
Proper noun The Cenozoic Era is the current and most recent of the three major geological eras of the Phanerozoic Eon. It began approximately 66 million years ago with the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and continues to the present day. It is characterized by the rise of mammals and birds, the formation of modern continents, and significant climatic changes, including the recent ice ages.
The term "Cenozoic Era" is used as a proper noun to refer to this specific geological time period. It is typically capitalized.
Examples - The fossil record from the Cenozoic Era shows the diversification of mammals. - Many of the mountain ranges we see today were formed during the Cenozoic Era. - The Cenozoic Era is sometimes called the "Age of Mammals."
- "the Cenozoic": Often used as a shortened form to refer to the era.
- The climate during the Cenozoic was highly variable.
- Cenozoic (adjective): Pertaining to the Cenozoic Era.
- Cenozoic rocks are found on every continent.
- Age of Mammals: A common informal name for the Cenozoic Era.
- Phanerozoic Eon: The larger geological time unit that contains the Cenozoic, Paleozoic, and Mesozoic eras.
- Age of Mammals (informal synonym)
- Kainozoic Era (an alternative, less common spelling)
- Post-Mesozoic: Referring to the time after the Mesozoic Era, essentially synonymous with the Cenozoic.
- Recent Life: A descriptive phrase reflecting the meaning of "Cenozoic" (from Greek for "new life").
- approximately the last 63 million years