The term "Age of Mammals" refers to a geological epoch that began approximately 66 million years ago and continues to the present day. This epoch, also known as the Cenozoic Era, follows the Age of Reptiles (Mesozoic Era), which was dominated by dinosaurs.
During the Age of Mammals, mammals underwent a remarkable diversification and became the dominant terrestrial vertebrates. This period is marked by significant morphological, behavioral, and ecological changes in mammalian evolution. The development of diverse habitats, along with the demise of the dinosaurs, allowed mammals to exploit new ecological niches and adapt to various environments worldwide.
This epoch features the emergence and radiation of numerous mammalian groups, including primates, rodents, carnivores, and whales. Mammals evolved different adaptations to survive and thrive in their respective environments, ranging from insectivorous mammals exploiting the forest floor to large herbivores wandering the plains.
The geological record of the Age of Mammals is rich, providing extensive evidence of the evolutionary changes that occurred during this time. Fossil discoveries have revealed important insights into the early evolution of mammals, highlighting key milestones such as the development of placental mammals, the origin of flight in bats, and the transition of whales from land to sea.
Overall, the Age of Mammals represents a crucial period in Earth's history, capturing the rise and diversification of mammals as they adapted to occupy diverse ecological roles and shape modern ecosystems.
