The Quaternary is a geological time period that encompasses the past 2.6 million years, including the present day. It is characterized by dramatic climatic fluctuations, ice ages, and the appearance and evolution of modern humans. Researchers in the field of Quaternary science study a wide range of topics including climate change, glacial geology, paleoecology, and human evolution. By studying the Quaternary period, scientists aim to better understand past environmental changes and their impacts on the Earth's ecosystems and human societies.