Pliocene

Error creating thumbnail:

Pliocene Chart

Pliocene sst anomaly

Great American Biotic Interchange examples

Landscape of the Pliocene epoch - showing environment at the time of men's appearance - drawn by Riou

Error creating thumbnail:

Titanis07DB

Pliocene

The Pliocene Epoch is a significant period in the geologic time scale that lasted from about 5.3 million to 2.58 million years ago. It is the second epoch of the Neogene Period, succeeding the Miocene and preceding the Pleistocene Epoch. The Pliocene is notable for its critical role in shaping the modern world, both in terms of geography, climate, and biota.

Overview

During the Pliocene, major global changes occurred that had long-lasting effects on the Earth and its inhabitants. The climate of the Pliocene was generally cooler and drier than the Miocene, leading to significant changes in plant and animal distributions. This epoch saw the continuation of the cooling trend that started in the late Miocene, culminating in the Ice Ages of the Pleistocene.

Geology and Climate

The Pliocene was characterized by several important geological events. The formation of the Isthmus of Panama stands out as a pivotal event that altered global ocean currents and climate patterns. This formation led to the strengthening of the Gulf Stream and contributed to the further cooling of the Northern Hemisphere.

Sea levels during the Pliocene fluctuated due to varying extents of ice sheets, but they were generally lower than today. These changes in sea level exposed new lands for colonization by plants and animals and created new habitats.

Flora and Fauna

The flora of the Pliocene saw a shift towards more modern plant communities. Grasslands expanded, supporting the evolution and spread of many new species of grazing animals. In the animal kingdom, the Pliocene was a time of significant evolution and diversification. Mammals, in particular, developed into forms that are familiar today. The ancestors of modern elephants, horses, and cats, among others, were present during this epoch.

The Pliocene also witnessed the rise of early hominins, the group that includes modern humans and their direct ancestors. Fossils from this epoch, such as those from the genus Australopithecus, provide critical insights into human evolution.

Significance

The Pliocene Epoch is of great interest to scientists for several reasons. It offers a window into the Earth's past, showing how climate change can influence biological evolution and geographical distribution. Understanding the Pliocene also helps scientists predict future climate changes and their potential impacts on global ecosystems.

See Also

• Geologic Time Scale
• Climate Change
• Evolution
• Ice Age