The word "Kainozoic" refers to the geological era that began around 65 million years ago and is still ongoing. It is pronounced [ˌkaɪnəˈzoʊɪk], with the stress on the third syllable. The spelling of the word follows the Greek roots from which it is derived, with "kaino-" meaning "new" and "zoic" meaning "of animals." The "k" sound is used instead of "c" because it represents the Greek letter kappa, which is pronounced like a hard "k".
Kainozoic is an adjective of geological origin that pertains to a specific era in the Earth's history called the Cenozoic Era. The Cenozoic Era, also known as the Age of Mammals, is the most recent geologic era spanning from approximately 66 million years ago to the present day. The word "Kainozoic" combines the Greek words "kainos," meaning new, and "zoikos," meaning life, to highlight the period's significance in the development of modern life forms.
The Kainozoic era is characterized by the emergence and diversification of mammals, as well as the evolutionary rise of birds, flowering plants, and other modern organisms. It includes major geological events such as the extinction of dinosaurs, the formation of the Himalayas, and the development of the first human ancestors. The era is divided into three major periods: the Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary.
During the Kainozoic era, Earth's climate has experienced significant fluctuations, including long periods of cooling and warming. These changes have influenced the distribution and adaptation of various species and ecosystems throughout the era.
In summary, Kainozoic is an adjective used to describe the Cenozoic Era, the geologic era characterized by the rise of mammals and other modern life forms. It denotes a period of pronounced evolution, climatic shifts, and the development of diverse ecosystems.
The word "Kainozoic" comes from the Greek roots "kainos" meaning "new" or "recent", and "zoikos" meaning "pertaining to animal life". Therefore, "Kainozoic" can be translated as "new animal life" or "recent animal life". This term is used in geology and paleontology to describe the era of geological time that includes the present day and extends back to the extinction of dinosaurs, also known as the Cenozoic era.