Dull environment reportedly existed in this historical epoch (8)

I believe the answer is:

holocene

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'epoch' is the definition.
(Holocene is an example)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for holocene that I've seen before include "Relating to a modern epoch" , "Current geological epoch; lone echo (anagram)" , "Relating to the present epoch" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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