Pleistocene Climate History

The Pleistocene Epoch, lasting from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago, was marked by repeated glacial cycles, where large parts of the Earth were covered in ice. During this time, global temperatures fluctuated significantly, leading to colder ice ages and warmer interglacial periods. These climate changes influenced sea levels, ecosystems, and the distribution of plant and animal species, including early humans. The Pleistocene set the foundation for our current climate and ecological systems, shaping the world as we know it today. Understanding this history helps us comprehend ongoing climate change and its potential impacts.