What does paleogene mean?
The Paleogene is a formal geological period that followed the Cretaceous and lasted from about 66 million to 23 million years ago. It is the first of three periods in the Cenozoic Era and is divided into the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene epochs. As a modifier, paleogene describes rocks, fossils, landscapes, and other evidence formed during that interval. In modern nomenclature, the broad older term Tertiary has been replaced by Paleogene and Neogene for its earlier and later portions, respectively. Because the word belongs to specialized earth science rather than everyday vocabulary, it appears chiefly in geological descriptions, scientific papers, museum labels, and discussions of evolution and climate history. Even so, the term is useful because it names a major interval of deep time in which modern mammals and other groups expanded, while changing climates and landscapes shaped the fossil record. It is usually capitalized when naming the period itself.
The Paleogene, the geologic period from about 66 million to 23 million years ago, divided into the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene epochs.
"The Paleogene includes the early stages of the Cenozoic Era."
Usually capitalized when naming the formal geologic period.
Relating to or occurring during the Paleogene Period.
"Paleogene sediments preserve evidence of changing climates and ecosystems."
Commonly used in compound expressions such as “Paleogene fossils” and “Paleogene rocks.”
The Paleogene names one geologic period and is ordinarily used in the singular.
"The Paleogene follows the Cretaceous in the geologic timescale."
The Paleogene begins the Cenozoic era and preserves a sweeping 43-million-year chapter in which mammals expanded and Earth's climate shifted dramatically.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of paleogene
Paleogene was formed from Ancient Greek palaios, meaning “old,” and genos, meaning “kind,” “race,” or “origin,” producing a compound associated with ancient or earlier life. The geological term emerged during the nineteenth-century subdivision of the formerly broad Tertiary period and the recognition of a major distinction between its earlier and later portions. Its ancient root palaios is shared by paleontology, paleobotany, and paleography.
How paleogene is actually used
This is specialized, formal geological terminology. The period's name is conventionally capitalized, although style guides may lowercase it when it modifies a common noun.
Easily confused with paleogene
The Paleocene is the earliest epoch of the Paleogene, whereas the Paleogene is the larger period that includes the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene epochs.