Chapter 29, Problem 18RQ

Which epochs make up the tertiary period? The Quaternary period?

To determine

The epochs that make up the tertiary period and the Quaternary period.

Answer to Problem 18RQ

The epochs that make up the tertiary period are Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, and Pliocene, and epochs that make up the Quaternary period are Pleistocene and Holocene.

Explanation of Solution

The Cenozoic Era was known as the age of the mammals, which is made up of two periods, mainly Tertiary and the Quaternary. The epochs were broken into two periods, from oldest to youngest. The tertiary period includes Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, and Pliocene epochs, which was around 30 million years ago. Moreover, the Quaternary period includes the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs, around 2.58 million years ago to 12 thousand years ago. Many scientists believed that humans are entering into a new epoch, which is Anthropocene.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the epochs that make up the tertiary period are Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, and Pliocene, and epochs that make up the Quaternary period are Pleistocene and Holocene.