Question:

Arrange the given Epochs in correct sequence from the earliest to the most recent:
(A) Pliocene
(B) Oligocene
(C) Eocene
(D) Miocene
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Standard Cenozoic Epoch Timeline (Oldest to Youngest):
Paleocene $\rightarrow$ Eocene $\rightarrow$ Oligocene $\rightarrow$ Miocene $\rightarrow$ Pliocene $\rightarrow$ Pleistocene $\rightarrow$ Holocene.
Mnemonic: Please Examine Our Men Playing Pro Hockey.
Updated On: Sep 4, 2026
  • (A), (B), (C), (D)
  • (C), (B), (D), (A)
  • (B), (A), (D), (C)
  • (A), (C), (B), (D)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
The Geological Time Scale provides the chronological framework for tracing mammalian and primate evolutionary history.
The Cenozoic Era ("Age of Mammals"), spanning from 66 million years ago to the present, is subdivided into distinct geological epochs.
This question requires arranging four Tertiary epochs in order from the earliest (oldest) to the most recent.

Step 1: Detailed Chronology of Cenozoic Epochs:

1. Eocene Epoch (C): Spanned from $\approx 56\text{ to }33.9\text{ mya}$. Witnessed the adaptive radiation of early true primates (Euprimates: Adapoids and Omomyoids).
2. Oligocene Epoch (B): Spanned from $\approx 33.9\text{ to }23\text{ mya}$. Characterized by the emergence of early anthropoid primates (e.g., Aegyptopithecus in the Fayum depression).
3. Miocene Epoch (D): Spanned from $\approx 23\text{ to }5.3\text{ mya}$. Known as the "Golden Age of Hominoids," featuring diverse ape radiations (e.g., Proconsul, Dryopithecus, Sivapithecus).
4. Pliocene Epoch (A): Spanned from $\approx 5.3\text{ to }2.58\text{ mya}$. Characterized by the diversification of early bipedal hominins such as Australopithecus.

Step 2: Arranging in Chronological Sequence:

Ordering the given epochs from oldest to newest yields:
Eocene (C) $\rightarrow$ Oligocene (B) $\rightarrow$ Miocene (D) $\rightarrow$ Pliocene (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:

This chronological sequence matches Option (B).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top CUET Anthropology Questions

View More Questions