ASBOG Practice Exam

From youngest to oldest, what is the correct order of epochs in the Tertiary period?

1. Paleocene; Eocene; Oligocene; Miocene; Pliocene

2. Pliocene; Miocene; Oligocene; Eocene; Paleocene

3. Pliocene; Eocene; Holocene; Paleocene

4. Miocene; Oligocene; Pliocene; Paleocene

The correct answer is: Pliocene; Miocene; Oligocene; Eocene; Paleocene

The correct order of epochs in the Tertiary period, from youngest to oldest, is a crucial aspect of geologic time scales. The Tertiary period is divided into several epochs, including the Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, and Pliocene. Starting with the youngest, the Pliocene represents a time of significant climatic changes and is known for the further diversification of mammals and birds. Prior to the Pliocene is the Miocene, characterized by the expansion of grasslands and the evolution of modern flora and fauna. Moving back to the Oligocene, this epoch was marked by the development of many modern mammal families and the beginning of widespread grasslands. The Eocene, which follows, is a period known for its warm temperatures and the appearance of many modern mammal groups. Finally, the oldest epoch in this sequence is the Paleocene, which followed the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous and served as a time for recovery and mammal evolution. This sequence reflects the progression and development of life on Earth through these epochs, highlighting their significant paleontological and geological importance. The arrangement in the provided answer aligns accurately with established geological time scales, making it a valid