One of the epochs belonging to the period Neogene it was already Cenozoic was Miocene. During this period, a large number of geological, climatic, and biological events took place. Large temperature fluctuations occurred, beginning with a decrease and then slowly increasing. This rise in temperature fostered the development of numerous animal and plant species, which can be compared to what happened in the Miocene.
In this article we are going to tell you all the characteristics, geology, climate, flora and fauna of the Miocene.
Key features
This epoch began approximately 23 million years ago and ended approximately 5 million years ago. Changes were experienced at the orogenic level in which growths of various mountain ranges. Thanks to the numerous fossil records, it has been possible to see that it was a stage with great growth at the biological level where there were large varieties of mammals. This group was the one that experienced the greatest development and diversification on a global scale.
Miocene Geology
During the Miocene epoch an intense geological activity could be observed since there was a great movement on the part of the continents that continued their displacement from the continental drift. In this way, it was almost already occupying the place that it has today. There are many specialists who claim that, by then, the planet already had almost the same configuration that it has today.
One of the most important geological events was the collision of the northern African continent with the Arabian Peninsula. This momentous event was so significant because it resulted in the closure of one of the largest seas that must have existed until this time. The sea was the Paratetis. This geological phenomenon can be related to other events of geological interest such as those that have been documented in the future.
During this time, the Indian movement had not ceased at any time. It was maintained and pressed against the Asian region. This caused the mountains of the Himalayas They grew increasingly higher, forming higher peaks. The geography of the Mediterranean witnessed significant orogenic activity, and this era saw the rise of the mountains best known today.
Miocene climate
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, the climate of this time was mainly characterized by low temperatures. This can only at the beginning and as a consequence of the expansion of the expansion of ice at both poles. This expansion of ice was caused from the previous time known as the EoceneSome environments had to acquire arid conditions because they were unable to retain moisture. Remember that moisture is key to the development of microorganisms and plants, a vital factor just as it is in the .
This period of such low temperatures didn't last long. Around the middle of the Miocene, global temperatures began to rise significantly. This increase in temperature is known as Miocene climatic optimum. During this period, ambient temperatures gradually increased to 5 degrees Celsius above current temperatures. This means that the planet had already experienced larger temperature increases than it has today. However, the timeframe for this increase was much slower, giving species more time to adapt.
The global climate change that we are currently experiencing is increasing on a human scale. This makes living beings unable to adapt to new conditions. Thanks to the increase in temperatures on the planet, a more temperate climate could develop.
As mountain ranges developed with great importance and height, this caused precipitation will greatly decrease. As the Miocene progressed, the entire planet turned to a drier climate. For this reason, all the forest extensions were reduced and the deserts and tundras were extended.
Flora
Much of all the species of animals and plants that were in the Miocene are found today. It can be observed throughout this period of time that existed a significant decline in both forests and jungles due to the aforementioned increases in temperature and the extent of aridity. Since rainfall became increasingly lower, plants also had to adapt to these changes.
During the Miocene epoch they began to master herbaceous plants and other smaller ones that are more resistant to long periods of drought, which allowed them to develop in diverse areas. One of these species is chaparral. Angiosperms, plants that already have coated seeds, also thrived during this period, as did some species we can still admire today.
Fauna
Mammals were the most predominant group of animals during the Miocene epoch.They can diversify greatly thanks to climate change and the closure of the Paratethys Sea. All types of mammals will develop, from the smallest group of rodents to large mammals such as some marine mammals, reminiscent of many modern-day species.
Birds also experienced a significant expansion during this period, providing remarkable diversity to the ecosystem. The terrestrial mammals that dominated the era were:
- gomphotherium (Extinct)
- Amphicyon (Extinct)
- merychippus (Extinct)
- astrapotherium (Extinct)
- megapedetese (Extinct)
Of the aquatic mammals we can also see that they were largely diversified and the ancestors of the current whales had their origin. Among those that grew and developed the most were those that belonged to the group of cetaceans, especially the odontocetes. These were toothed animals that reached lengths of up to 14 meters. Their diet was fully carnivorous and they fed on other fish, squid and even cetaceans of the same group.
We mustn't forget reptiles. We also find a range of reptiles that developed quite well, which can be observed in the fossil record, some of them found in the northern part of South America. The freshwater turtle is the largest to date. The fossil shows us a tortoise that could be approximately two meters long. It was on a carnivorous diet and its prey were amphibians and fish.
As you can see, this time was quite good for the development of all life on the planet. I hope that with this information you can learn more about the Miocene epoch.