What geological period followed the demise of non-avian dinosaurs, initiating significant mammalian diversification?
Answer
The Paleogene period
The evolutionary story leading to modern carnivores, including the ancestors of the weasel, is rooted in the time immediately following the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs. This era is known as the Paleogene period. Following this major ecological shift, mammals underwent rapid radiation, successfully colonizing the newly vacated ecological niches across the globe. This diversification included the ancestors of modern carnivorans, whose early fossil forms, sometimes termed 'weasel-like carnivorans,' offer critical clues regarding the initial successful terrestrial mammalian body plans that emerged during this dynamic time.
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