CENOZOIC Meaning and
Definition
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Cenozoic is an adjective used to describe a geological era that spans from approximately 66 million years ago to the present, making it the most recent era in Earth's history. This era is characterized by the dominance of mammals and the evolution and diversification of various species, including humans.
The term Cenozoic is derived from Greek words "kainos," meaning new, and "zoion," meaning animal or living being. It is often referred to as the Age of Mammals due to the prominence and success of mammals during this era. The Cenozoic era is divided into three major periods: the Paleogene, which lasted from 66 to 23 million years ago; the Neogene, covering the period from 23 to 2.6 million years ago; and the Quaternary, which encompasses the last 2.6 million years up to the present day.
During the Cenozoic era, significant geological and climatic events occurred, including the extinction of dinosaurs, the formation of mountain ranges, the opening and closing of ocean basins, and various ice ages. These geological and environmental changes greatly influenced the evolution and distribution of plant and animal life forms.
The study of the Cenozoic era plays a crucial role in understanding the history and development of Earth, as well as the evolution of various species. It provides valuable insights into the changes and adaptations that occurred within ecosystems, ultimately leading to the diverse array of life forms we observe today.
Common Misspellings for CENOZOIC
Etymology of CENOZOIC
The word "Cenozoic" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "kainos", meaning "new", and "zoikos", meaning "of or pertaining to animals". Therefore, "Cenozoic" can be translated as "new animals". This term was coined by the geologist Sir Charles Lyell in 1833, to describe the era following the Mesozoic, which he believed was characterized by the appearance of modern or "new" forms of life.
Idioms with the word CENOZOIC
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the Cenozoic
The idiom "the Cenozoic" refers to a geological period in the history of the Earth, also known as the "Age of Mammals." It began approximately 66 million years ago and continues to the present day. The Cenozoic era is characterized by the dominance and diversification of mammals, including the rise of ancestral primates and the development of modern humans.
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