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Which epochs make up the Paleogene Period?
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Cenozoic Era
Principal Cenozoic faunal migration routes and barriers.
The Paleogene Period, which is the oldest stratigraphic division of the Cenozoic Era, consists of three distinct epochs:12
- Paleocene Epoch: 66 million to 56 million years ago12
- Eocene Epoch: 56 million to 33.9 million years ago12
- Oligocene Epoch: 33.9 million to 23 million years ago12
The term Paleogene, meaning "ancient-born," was established in Europe to highlight the similarities among marine fossils found within the rock strata of these three epochs.12