The Quaternary: A Chilly Epoch for Mammals

The Quaternary Period

The Quaternary period is the shortest geological period, spanning from 258 million years ago to the present day. Despite its relatively short duration, the Quaternary has witnessed significant environmental changes, including several ice ages.

Mammals in the Quaternary

On land, the chilliest stretches of the Quaternary, such as the Pleistocene epoch, saw the proliferation of large mammals adapted to cold climates, including mammoths, rhinoceroses, bison, and oxen. These animals roamed the vast grasslands and forests that covered much of the Earth's surface.