Quaternary Period - GCSE Geography Definition

The Quaternary Period is the most recent part of Earth's history, covering the last 2.6 million years up to the present day. It is known for its ice ages, when large parts of the world were covered in ice, and warmer interglacial periods when the ice melted. During this time, humans evolved and began to spread across the planet. The Quaternary is divided into two epochs: the Pleistocene and the Holocene. The Pleistocene saw the rise of mammals, including early humans, while the Holocene is the current epoch, marked by the development of human civilisations. This period is important to GCSE Geography because it helps us understand climate changes, the evolution of landscapes, and how humans have adapted to different environments over time.