What epochs does the Paleocene stretch through?

The Paleocene epoch is part of the Cenozoic Era, which is a geological time period that follows the Mesozoic Era. It specifically spans from about 66 million to 56 million years ago and is immediately succeeded by the Eocene epoch.

To contextualize the correct timeline, the Paleocene is positioned before and leads into the Eocene, which is why it is linked with that specific timeline rather than the other epochs mentioned. The confusion might arise from the relationship of various epochs within the broader geological time scale. For clarity, the other options refer to different epochs and eras that do not directly follow or precede the Paleocene. For instance, the Pliocene and Pleistocene belong to a much later phase of the Cenozoic Era, while the Jurassic and Cretaceous are part of the previous Mesozoic Era, occurring long before the Cenozoic began.

Therefore, understanding the relative position of the Paleocene in the geological time scale is key to identifying its place in relation to the Eocene epoch.