https://wikimd.com/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=PliocenePliocene - Revision history2026-04-24T15:19:17ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Pliocene&diff=5644536&oldid=prevPrab: CSV import2024-04-22T04:38:14Z<p>CSV import</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:Pliocene_Chart.jpg|Pliocene Chart|thumb]] [[File:Pliocene_sst_anomaly.png|Pliocene sst anomaly|thumb|left]] [[File:Great_American_Biotic_Interchange_examples.svg|Great American Biotic Interchange examples|thumb|left]] [[File:Landscape_of_the_Pliocene_epoch_-_showing_environment_at_the_time_of_men's_appearance_-_drawn_by_Riou.jpg|Landscape of the Pliocene epoch - showing environment at the time of men's appearance - drawn by Riou|thumb]] [[Image:Titanis07DB.jpg|Titanis07DB|thumb]] '''Pliocene'''<br />
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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]].<br />
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==Overview==<br />
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.<br />
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==Geology and Climate==<br />
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.<br />
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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]].<br />
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==Flora and Fauna==<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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==Significance==<br />
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.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Geologic Time Scale]]<br />
* [[Climate Change]]<br />
* [[Evolution]]<br />
* [[Ice Age]]<br />
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[[Category:Geologic epochs]]<br />
[[Category:Pliocene]]<br />
[[Category:Neogene period]]<br />
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