Tertiarnnes

Tertiarnnes is a geological term referring to the Tertiary Period, a subdivision of the Cenozoic Era. This period is generally understood to span from approximately 66 million years ago to 2.58 million years ago, following the Cretaceous Period and preceding the Quaternary Period. The Tertiary Period is further divided into five epochs: the Paleogene (comprising the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene) and the Neogene (comprising the Miocene and Pliocene).

During the Tertiary Period, Earth's climate underwent significant changes, generally trending towards cooler temperatures after the warm conditions of the Cretaceous. This era is characterized by the diversification and dominance of mammals, which evolved rapidly after the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs. Birds also underwent substantial evolutionary radiation. Marine life, including sharks, whales, and various invertebrates, flourished. Plant life saw the widespread development of flowering plants and the expansion of forests.

Geologically, the Tertiary Period was a time of continental drift, mountain building (orogeny) such as the formation of the Alps and the Himalayas, and significant volcanic activity. Sea levels fluctuated, leading to the formation and retreat of epicontinental seas. The end of the Tertiary was marked by the onset of the Pleistocene ice ages, ushering in the Quaternary Period. The fossil record from the Tertiary provides crucial insights into the evolution of modern ecosystems and the history of life on Earth.