The Neogene Period

The Neogene Period, which lasted from about 23 million to 2.6 million years ago, is a significant era in Earth's history that follows the Paleogene Period. It is marked by major changes in climate, leading to the formation of grasslands and a cooling trend. This period saw the rise of many modern mammal species, including early humans, as well as the flourishing of birds and plants. The Neogene also featured the tectonic shifts that shaped continents and increased mountain ranges, influencing ecological developments and animal migrations, setting the stage for the world as we know it today.