ASBOG Practice Exam

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Study for the ASBOG Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you succeed. Get ready for your exam!

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Which epoch marks the oldest period in the Cenozoic era?

Tertiary
Quaternary
Pleistocene
Oligocene

The correct answer is: Tertiary

The Tertiary epoch is recognized as the oldest period within the Cenozoic era, which spans from approximately 66 million years ago to about 2.6 million years ago. The Cenozoic era is divided into two primary periods: the Tertiary and the Quaternary. The Tertiary epoch was further subdivided into several epochs, including the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene. Each of these epochs represents significant geological changes and the evolution of life on Earth. In contrast, the Quaternary epoch follows the Tertiary and includes the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. Understanding the chronological arrangement of these epochs is crucial for studying the evolution of mammals and the climatic shifts that have occurred over millions of years. The Quaternary, although encompassing important developments in Earth's history, is chronologically younger than the Tertiary, which places it later in the Cenozoic timeline.