Man (Homo) originated in

Options

A. (a) Pliocene
B. (b) Palaeocene
C. (c) miocene
D. (d) oligocene

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the epoch during which man (Homo sapiens) originated.

2. **Identifying the Scientific Classification**: Homo sapiens, the scientific name for modern humans, belong to the family Hominidae, which is a part of the primate order.

3. **Reviewing the Evolutionary Timeline**: To determine when Homo sapiens originated, we need to look at the evolutionary timeline of primates and hominids.

4. **Examining the Epochs**:
- **Paleocene**: This epoch occurred around 65 million years ago and is characterized by the emergence of proto-primates, which are ancestors of modern primates. This epoch is too early for the origin of Homo sapiens.
- **Eocene**: This epoch followed the Paleocene and lasted from about 55 to 34 million years ago, but it still predates the appearance of hominids.
- **Oligocene**: This period occurred from about 34 to 23 million years ago and saw the first appearance of monkeys, but not hominids.
- **Miocene**: This epoch lasted from about 23 to 5.3 million years ago and is when the first apes appeared, but still not Homo sapiens.
- **Pliocene**: This epoch began around 5.3 million years ago and is significant because it is during this time that the first hominids appeared, which are considered ancestors of modern humans.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the evolutionary timeline, the correct epoch during which Homo sapiens originated is the Pliocene.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the answer to the question is **Pliocene**.

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