Description

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Context:

A recent study published in the journal Global and Planetary Change investigates how tropical rainforests responded to significant climatic changes during the Early Eocene period around 51-56 million years ago.

Details:

The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and the Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (ETM2) are two significant periods in Earth’s climatic history characterized by rapid warming and major shifts in climate and ecosystems.

Increased rainfall during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) helped stabilise temperatures supporting the growth of tropical rainforests. While, during the Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (ETM2), the increase in rainfall was not as significant, leading to less stable climate conditions and the presence of more dry loving plant species.

The researchers identified 256 taxa from various families such as Araceae, Arecaceae (palms) and Bombacaceae, indicating a rich variety of plant life.

About Eocene

Time Period	The Eocene Epoch lasted from 56 to 33.9 million years ago, forming the second period of the Paleogene Era.
Geological Context	Follows the Paleocene Epoch and precedes the Oligocene Epoch.
Climate	Characterized by a warm climate, with global temperatures higher than today, leading to tropical and subtropical conditions.
Flora and Fauna	Tropical forests were widespread, and the period saw the evolution of early mammals, birds, and marine life.
Significant Mammals	Early horses, whales, bats, and primates evolved, marking the rise of many modern mammalian orders.
Marine Life	The Eocene witnessed the rise of modern fish species, marine mammals like whales, and sharks.
Geological Features	Significant tectonic activity, including the separation of continents and the formation of early mountain ranges like the Himalayas.
Floral Evolution	Early flowering plants diversified, and forests became denser, supporting diverse ecosystems.
Formation of Oil Reserves	Many of the world's oil reserves were formed during the Eocene as organic material accumulated in warm, shallow seas.
End of the Eocene	The Eocene-Oligocene extinction event occurred near the end of the epoch, marked by cooling temperatures and the shift to a more seasonal climate.
Key Locations	Fossils from the Eocene have been found in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia.

Source:

DOWNTOEARTH

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following statements regarding the Eocene period is/are correct?

The Eocene period is part of the Paleogene epoch of the Cenozoic era.
The first primates appeared during the Eocene period.
The Eocene period witnessed the formation of the Himalayas.
During the Eocene, the Earth's climate was cooler than the preceding Paleocene.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2, and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Eocene is a part of the Paleogene epoch in the Cenozoic era, which spans from about 56 to 33.9 million years ago.

Statement 2 is correct: The first primates did appear during the Eocene period, marking an important evolutionary development.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The formation of the Himalayas occurred much later, mainly during the Oligocene and Miocene periods, after the Eocene.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The climate during the Eocene was warmer than the preceding Paleocene, with a global warming trend during much of this period.