What separates the eras of the Phanerozoic Eons?
The eras of the Phanerozoic Eon are separated based on significant events in Earth's history, particularly in terms of the diversity and evolution of life. The three main eras in the Phanerozoic Eon are the Paleozoic Era, the Mesozoic Era, and the Cenozoic Era.
1. Paleozoic Era: This era is characterized by the emergence and diversification of life on Earth. It is divided into six periods, each marked by significant events such as the Cambrian Explosion, the Ordovician-Silurian Extinction Event, the Devonian Period known as the "Age of Fish", the Carboniferous Period with vast coal-forming forests, and the Permian Period which ended with the largest mass extinction in Earth's history known as the Permian-Triassic Extinction.
2. Mesozoic Era: This era is often referred to as the "Age of Reptiles" as it saw the rise and dominance of dinosaurs. It is divided into three periods - the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. The Mesozoic Era ended with the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction Event.
3. Cenozoic Era: This era began after the extinction of the dinosaurs and is characterized by the diversification of mammals and the rise of modern flora and fauna. The Cenozoic Era is divided into two periods - the Paleogene and the Neogene. It is also known as the "Age of Mammals" and continues to the present day.