Plants:
- Giant Redwood Trees (Sequoia sempervirens): These massive trees, some of which still exist today, could grow up to 379 feet (115 meters) tall and had extremely sturdy bark. Their sheer size and falling debris posed risks to those below.
Animals:
- Dinosaurs: Although most dinosaur species went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, a few survived into the early Tertiary period, such as the Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops. These large predators posed significant threats to other animals.
- Titanoboa Cerrejonensis: This enormous snake lived during the Paleocene epoch and is considered the largest snake known to have ever existed. It measured up to 43 feet (13 meters) in length and weighed an estimated 2,500 pounds (1,134 kilograms).
- Giant Ground Sloths (Megatherium americanum): These massive herbivores could reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters) and weigh several tons. Their strength and claws could pose dangers to other animals and humans if threatened or encountered.
- Saber-Tooth Tigers (Smilodon populator): These large predators were known for their prominent canine teeth, which could grow up to 7 inches (18 centimeters) long. Saber-tooth tigers were formidable hunters and fierce competitors in their environment.
- Giant Short-Faced Bear (Arctodus simus): This immense bear species could stand over 11 feet (3.3 meters) tall on its hind legs and weighed up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms). Its size and strength made it a formidable predator.
- Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius): While generally considered peaceful herbivores, woolly mammoths could exhibit aggressive behavior when threatened or provoked. Additionally, their massive size and tusks posed dangers to those who came into close proximity.
It's important to note that these examples primarily concern the period from the Paleocene to the Miocene epochs, as the climate and environment changed dramatically during the late Tertiary (Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs), leading to significant changes in the prevalence and distribution of these species.