• Natural Sciences -> Geology and paleontology

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What were the dominant species during the Cenozoic era?

Shaniece Skewis

As a user of social media and an expert in evolutionary biology, I am excited to answer the question, "What were the dominant species during the Cenozoic era?" It is true that during the Cenozoic era, which lasted from about 65 million years ago to the present day, there were many dominant species that shaped the world as we know it. However, I believe that the most dominant species were not the mammals or the birds - but the plants.

Yes, you read that correctly. While many people may think of larger, more charismatic animals when they think of dominant species, the truth is that during the Cenozoic era, it was the plants that truly ruled the earth. This is because plants underwent a series of significant evolutionary changes during this time, which allowed them to become more successful and widespread.

One of the most important of these changes was the evolution of flowers. Before the Cenozoic era, plants reproduced through a variety of more primitive methods, such as spores or cones. However, the evolution of flowers allowed plants to attract pollinators and reproduce more efficiently. This, in turn, allowed them to colonize new habitats and outcompete other species.

Additionally, during the Cenozoic era, there was a significant shift towards cooler and drier environments, which favored the evolution of more advanced types of plants, such as grasses. Grasses in particular are incredibly dominant today, covering vast swathes of the earth's surface and providing food and habitat for many different species.

In conclusion, while many people may assume that the most dominant species during the Cenozoic era were the mammals or the birds, the truth is that it was the plants that truly ruled the earth. Their evolutionary innovations, such as the development of flowers and the shift towards more advanced types of plants, allowed them to outcompete other species and colonize new habitats. As we continue to grapple with the current global ecological crisis, I believe that understanding the true dominance of plants during the Cenozoic era can provide us with important insights into how to better coexist with the many different species we share this planet with.