postPaleozoic

The post-Paleozoic era refers to the geological time period that began after the Paleozoic Era and extends to the present day. This encompasses the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras, as well as the current Quaternary Period. The transition from the Paleozoic to the Mesozoic, marking the start of the post-Paleozoic, was characterized by the Permian-Triassic extinction event, one of the most severe extinction events in Earth's history.

The Mesozoic Era, often called the "Age of Reptiles," witnessed the rise and dominance of dinosaurs. It is divided into the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. During this time, Pangaea, the supercontinent, began to break apart, leading to significant changes in climate and geography. Flowering plants also emerged and diversified. The Mesozoic concluded with the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, which led to the demise of the non-avian dinosaurs.

The Cenozoic Era, following the Mesozoic, is known as the "Age of Mammals." Mammals, which had existed during the Mesozoic but were generally small, diversified rapidly and occupied the ecological niches left vacant by the extinct dinosaurs. This era includes the Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary periods. It has seen the evolution of primates, including humans, and dramatic shifts in continents and climate, including the formation of modern mountain ranges and ice ages. The post-Paleozoic continues to be a period of ongoing geological and biological evolution.