Cenozoic Era
Quaternary Period
2.6 Million Years Ago – Present
The Quaternary is defined by repeated glacial–interglacial cycles that dramatically reshaped landscapes and drove the evolution, migration, and extinction of species. Woolly mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant ground sloths roamed ice-age continents. Homo sapiens emerged and spread across the globe, becoming the dominant species on Earth.
Environment
Climate & Environment
Characterized by cyclical ice ages interspersed with warmer interglacials. Currently in an interglacial period (the Holocene). Human activity is now the dominant driver of climate change.
Fauna & Flora
Signature Life Forms
Woolly mammoth and other megafauna
Saber-toothed cats (Smilodon)
Evolution and spread of Homo sapiens
Quaternary megafauna extinction
Collection
