Miocene Epoch

The Miocene Epoch, occurring around 23 to 5 million years ago, was a period of significant environmental change and biological evolution. It saw the growth of grasslands and the expansion of many modern plant and animal species, including early ancestors of humans, elephants, and whales. The climate was generally warmer and wetter than today initially but became cooler and drier over time. This era played a crucial role in shaping modern ecosystems, with many of today’s major mammal and bird groups establishing themselves during this time. It set the stage for further evolutionary developments leading to the present geological period.