Question

In which epoch the fossils of Sinanthropus pekinensis have been discovered?
A. Pleistocene
B. Pliocene
C. Eocene
D. Paleocene

Answer 1

Hint: An epoch represents the subdivision of timescale that is longer than the age but shorter than the period. Sinanthropus pekinensis is a species specimen belonging to Homo erectus. It was discovered in 1929 at Zhoukoudian, China.

Complete answer:
The evidence for the evolution of Homo sapiens is provided by the fossils that are discovered over the period of time. Sinanthropus pekinensis is also known as the Peking man. It was considered as a member of human lineage by David Black in 1927 by considering a single tooth. Later on more fossil evidence like skullcaps, mandibles, facial and limb bones were obtained on further excavation.
The 5 important stages of human evolution are as follows:
Dryopithecus, Ramapithecus, Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Homo Sapiens Neanderthalensis, Homo sapiens.
> Pleistocene: Homoerectus was an erect man that originated about 1.2 million years ago. This time period is the Pleistocene epoch. Sinanthropus pekinensis is one of the species of Homo Erectus. The fossil evidence includes the teeth, small bones.
> Pliocene: It is the epoch that extends from 5.33- 2.58 million years. Australopithecus africanus species originated during this epoch.
> Eocene: This epoch extends from 54.8 million to 33.9 million years ago. The Eocene man was also known as the Wo man. The evidence was in the form of skeletons.
> Paleocene: It extends from 66 to 56 million years ago. In this epoch, there was an evolution of Homosapiens. The mammal species became dominant.
The fossils of Sinanthropus pekinensis have been discovered during the Pleistocene epoch.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Note:
There are mainly 3 eras- The Paleozoic era, the Mesozoic era, and the Cenozoic era. These are further divided into periods. Each period contains epochs. The epochs are further classified based on ages.