Paleogene is a geological term that refers to a period that spans approximately 25 million years. Synonyms for Paleogene include Eocene, Oligocene, and Miocene. These three epochs are part of the larger Cenozoic era and are characterized by a significant increase in biodiversity, the emergence of modern mammals, and the spread of grasslands. The Eocene is notable for the proliferation of modern mammal groups, including primates, artiodactyls, and perissodactyls. The Oligocene is characterized by a cooling trend that led to the expansion of grasslands and the evolution of grazers like horses and rhinoceroses. The Miocene is known for its diverse fauna, including early hominins, mastodons, and toothed whales.