We are currently in the Cenozoic era, which began approximately 66 million years ago and is still ongoing. The Cenozoic era is divided into three major periods: the Paleogene, the Neogene, and the Quaternary. We are currently in the Quaternary period, which started around 2.6 million years ago and continues to the present day.
Within the Quaternary period, we are specifically in the Holocene epoch, which began around 11,700 years ago after the last major ice age. The Holocene epoch is characterized by relatively stable climate conditions and the development of human civilization.
It is worth noting that within the Holocene epoch, there have been further subdivisions known as ages. The current age we are in is called the Meghalayan age, which began approximately 4,200 years ago. This age is defined by a climatic event known as the “Meghalayan climatic event,” which was marked by a significant drought in many parts of the world.
The Cenozoic era is an incredibly fascinating time period, as it witnessed the diversification and dominance of mammals, including the rise of our own species, Homo sapiens. It is during this era that we see the advent of modern ecosystems, the emergence of numerous plant and animal species, and the shaping of the Earth as we know it today.
Personally, as a lifelong student of Earth’s history, I find the Cenozoic era to be particularly intriguing. It is awe-inspiring to think about the incredible changes that have occurred over millions of years and how they have ultimately led to the world we inhabit now.
To summarize, we are currently in the Cenozoic era, specifically the Quaternary period, Holocene epoch, and Meghalayan age. This era represents a significant chapter in Earth’s history, characterized by the emergence of complex ecosystems and the development of human civilization.