Q

In what eon, era, period, and epoch do we now live?
10 months agoReport content

Answer

Full Solution Locked

Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.

Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, focusing on the current geological time scale:

Step 2:
: Identify the Eon

The current eon is the Phanerozoic Eon, which began approximately 541 million years ago and continues to the present day.

Step 3:
: Identify the Era

Within the Phanerozoic Eon, we are currently in the Cenozoic Era, which began about 66 million years ago after the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Step 4:
: Identify the Period

In the Cenozoic Era, we are currently in the Quaternary Period, which began approximately 2.58 million years ago.

Step 5:
: Identify the Epoch

The current epoch is the Holocene Epoch, which started about 11,700 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age.

Final Answer

- Eon: Phanerozoic - Era: Cenozoic - Period: Quaternary - Epoch: Holocene Note: Some geologists are now discussing the potential designation of a new epoch called the Anthropocene, reflecting human impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems, but this is not yet officially recognized by the International Commission on Stratigraphy.