What characteristic is typical of organisms in the Eocene epoch?

Prepare for the University of Toronto ANT100Y1 Introduction to Anthropology Midterm Test. Enhance your understanding with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Get ready for success in your anthropology exam!

The Eocene epoch, which lasted from about 56 to 33.9 million years ago, is characterized by significant evolutionary developments and environmental changes, particularly with the establishment of diverse forest ecosystems. During this period, warm temperatures prevailed globally, leading to lush, dense forests that were home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The abundance of trees such as magnolias, palms, and broadleaf plants contributed to rich ecosystems that supported numerous animal species, including early mammals, birds, and even the precursors to modern primates. This period also marked a time when flowering plants began to diversify, further adding to the complexity and variety of forest habitats.

In contrast, cold-blooded metabolism is associated with ectothermic organisms like reptiles, which were less predominant in the Eocene compared to the thriving mammalian fauna. Exclusive nocturnal activity does not capture the diversity of behaviors exhibited by the fauna of the Eocene, as many species were diurnal and adapted to varying niches. The development of extensive savannas, while beginning to appear towards the end of this epoch, was not a defining feature of the Eocene itself, as the landscape was predominantly characterized by forests.

Thus, the wide variety of forest ecosystems encapsulates the

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