Final answer:
The Anthropocene epoch is marked by human activities that have significantly impacted the Earth's climate and environment, leading to mass extinction and environmental disruptions that differ from the relatively stable Holocene.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Anthropocene epoch is distinguished from the Holocene by the extent of human impacts on the Earth. While the Holocene epoch represents a time where environments and ecosystems reached a stable state following the last glacial period, the Anthropocene is characterized by significant human influence on the climate and environment.
In the Anthropocene, human activities such as large-scale pollution, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels have led to rapid climate change, causing a mass extinction of plants and animals. This new epoch signifies a period where humans have become the dominant force affecting Earth's geology and ecosystems, reshaping landscapes, altering the atmosphere, and impacting the evolution of other species.
The term Anthropocene, though not officially recognized by all, conveys the idea that we are now living in an age where the collective actions of humanity are inscribing themselves into the geologic record.