Quaternary dating methods are techniques used to determine the age of geological and archaeological materials from the Quaternary period, which spans the last 2.6 million years. These methods are crucial for understanding Earth's recent history, climate changes, and human evolution by providing precise chronological frameworks for events and processes.

Quaternary Dating Methods

Techniques used to determine the age

Geological materials

Archaeological materials

The Quaternary period, spanning the last 2.58 million years, marks the most recent geological time frame, characterized by significant climatic fluctuations, including repeated glacial and interglacial cycles. This period is crucial for understanding the development of human civilization and the current biodiversity, as it encompasses the rise of Homo sapiens and the extinction of many megafauna species.

Quaternary Period

Last 2.6 million years

Earth's recent history

Climate changes

Human evolution is the lengthy process of change by which people originated from apelike ancestors, involving the development of traits such as bipedalism, larger brain size, and complex tool use over millions of years. This evolutionary journey is evidenced by fossil records, genetic studies, and comparative anatomy, providing insights into our biological and cultural origins.

Concepts

Relevant Degrees

Your Lessons