After the Dinosaurs

Viac o knihe

Around 65 million years ago, a giant boloid impact likely triggered the extinction of dinosaurs, paving the way for an astonishing array of mammals to evolve during the Cenozoic Era. This period, often overlooked, was filled with remarkable creatures that rivaled their Mesozoic predecessors. The Age of Mammals saw the rapid evolution of diverse species, including gigantic hornless rhinos, sabertooth cats, mastodonts, and mammoths, along with our own ancestors. This narrative unfolds against a backdrop of significant environmental changes, beginning with a dramatic warming phase around 55 million years ago, followed by a swift cooling that led to the return of glacial ice 33 million years ago. Vegetation transformed from tropical jungles in regions like Montana to polar forests, eventually giving rise to expansive grasslands and savannas worldwide. Marine life also adapted to these climatic shifts, leading to the emergence of giant sharks, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales. This exploration of the Cenozoic Era captivates those intrigued by the extraordinary life forms that once roamed the Earth.