Kvartääriset

Kvartääriset, also known as the Quaternary Period, is the current geological epoch in the Cenozoic Era. It began approximately 2.58 million years ago and is characterized by the repeated cycles of glaciation and interglacial periods. The Quaternary Period is further divided into two sub-periods: the Pleistocene and the Holocene. The Pleistocene epoch, which lasted from 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago, was marked by significant climatic fluctuations, including multiple ice ages. The Holocene epoch, which began around 11,700 years ago, is the current epoch and is characterized by relatively stable climatic conditions, allowing for the development of human civilization.

The Quaternary Period is notable for its diverse range of environments and ecosystems, including tundra, taiga, temperate forests, grasslands, and deserts. It is also the epoch during which the majority of modern animal and plant species evolved and diversified. The Quaternary Period has had a significant impact on human history, as it was during this time that early humans began to develop complex tools and societies. The Quaternary Period is also of interest to scientists studying climate change, as it provides a record of past climatic fluctuations that can be used to understand and predict future changes.