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

Study for the ABCTE Elementary Education Exam. Prepare with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

The Cenozoic Era is referred to as the "Age of Mammals" because it is during this time that mammals became the dominant terrestrial vertebrates. This era began approximately 66 million years ago and continues to the present, following the mass extinction event that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Mesozoic Era.

Throughout the Cenozoic, mammals diversified and evolved into various forms, adapting to a wide range of habitats. This includes the emergence of mammals ranging from small rodents to large megafauna like mammoths and saber-toothed cats. A distinguishing feature of this era is the significant increase in mammalian diversity and the development of unique adaptations that allowed mammals to thrive in diverse environments.

In contrast, the other eras mentioned focus on different biological and geological developments. The Mesozoic Era, for instance, is known primarily as the "Age of Reptiles," dominated by dinosaurs. The Paleozoic Era marks significant developments in marine life and the emergence of early amphibians and reptiles, while the Archean Era primarily features the formation of early Earth and the appearance of the first simple life forms, such as prokaryotic microorganisms. Thus, the Cenozoic is rightly

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