Which era is known as Recent Life, with the Rockies finished forming and the age of mammals?

Which era is known as Recent Life, with the Rockies finished forming and the age of mammals?

• A. Precambrian Era
• B. Cenozoic Era
• C. Mesozoic Era
• D. Paleozoic Era

Answer: (B)

Cenozoic is the era of Recent Life. It’s the time after the dinosaurs, when mammals diversified and became the dominant life forms, and it continues up to today. The name itself means “new life.” The Rocky Mountains were largely formed during the Laramide orogeny, which occurred in the early part of this era, so by the middle to late Cenozoic the mountains had taken their final shape and the modern landscape was taking form. That combination—the recent life emphasis and the age of mammals—best matches this era.

Cenozoic is the era of Recent Life. It’s the time after the dinosaurs, when mammals diversified and became the dominant life forms, and it continues up to today. The name itself means “new life.” The Rocky Mountains were largely formed during the Laramide orogeny, which occurred in the early part of this era, so by the middle to late Cenozoic the mountains had taken their final shape and the modern landscape was taking form. That combination—the recent life emphasis and the age of mammals—best matches this era.