Which era is known as the "Age of Mammals"?

Study for the DAT High Yield Biology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The Cenozoic Era is known as the "Age of Mammals" because it marks a significant period in Earth’s history that began approximately 66 million years ago, following the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs at the end of the Mesozoic Era. During the Cenozoic, mammals diversified and became the dominant terrestrial vertebrates, evolving into a wide variety of forms and filling ecological niches that were previously occupied by dinosaurs.

The climate during the Cenozoic also became more conducive to mammalian life, contributing to their wide distribution and diversification. This era is also characterized by the development of modern ecosystems and the eventual rise of humans.

The other eras listed—the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Archean—are associated with different dominant life forms and evolutionary milestones. The Paleozoic Era saw the emergence of fish, amphibians, and the first reptiles, while the Mesozoic Era is recognized primarily for the age of dinosaurs. The Archean Era is even earlier and is known for the origin of simple life forms, such as prokaryotes. Each of these eras had its distinct types of organisms and ecological characteristics, which emphasizes why the Cenozoic, with its mamm

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