The table below gives different eras (Column X) and periods of the geological time scale (Column Y).
Column X
A. Ordovician
B. Permian
C. Paleogene
D. Cretaceous
Column Y
i. Mesozoic
ii. Cenozoic
iii. Paleozoic
Which one of the following options represents all correct matches of Column X and Column Y?

Correct option is B

Correct Answer:
Option 2
Explanation:
-Ordovician is a period of the Paleozoic era.
-Permian is also a period of the Paleozoic era and marks its end.
-Paleogene belongs to the Cenozoic era, following the end-Cretaceous extinction.
-Cretaceous is the final period of the Mesozoic era.
Information Booster :
· The Paleozoic era includes Ordovician and Permian periods.
· The Mesozoic era is known as the “Age of Reptiles” and ends with the Cretaceous.
· The Cenozoic era marks the rise of mammals and includes the Paleogene.
· Mass extinctions often define boundaries between geological eras.
Additional Information (Incorrect Options):
Options 1, 3, and 4 misplace one or more periods into incorrect eras.
Accurate matching requires remembering the three major eras: Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic, and their constituent periods.