Quaternary Period
2.6 million years ago - present
About this Period
Ice ages and human evolution
Detailed Overview
The Quaternary period, extending from 2.6 million years ago to the present, is marked by dramatic climate fluctuations with repeated glacial and interglacial cycles. This period saw the evolution and global spread of humans and their ancestors, alongside the existence of iconic Ice Age mammals like woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats. The most recent part of this period, the Holocene epoch, has been significantly influenced by human activities, leading to major changes in Earth's ecosystems and climate.
