a subdivision of geological time (Quaternary Period) which covers the past 2.6 million years up to the present. The Quaternary is subdivided into two epochs: the Pleistocene (2.6 million years – 11,700 years ago) and the Holocene (past 11,700 to present). Another division is into early, middle and late quarternary (0.5 – 1 million years ago). To read more have a look here.