One of the epochs belonging to the Neogene period of the Cenozoic era was the Miocene . During this time, a great number of events took place at the geological, climatic, and biological levels. Large temperature fluctuations occurred, beginning with decreases followed by a slow rise. This temperature increase fostered the development of numerous animal and plant species, similar to what occurred during 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 period began approximately 23 million years ago and ended approximately 5 million years ago. Orogenic changes occurred, resulting in the growth of various mountain ranges. Thanks to the extensive fossil record, it has been observed that this was a time of significant biological growth, with a wide variety of mammals. This group experienced the greatest development and diversification on a global scale.
Miocene Geology
During the Miocene epoch, intense geological activity was observed, with significant movement of the continents as they continued their drift . This process nearly brought them to their present positions. Many experts assert that, by that time, the planet already had almost the same configuration it has today.
One of the most significant geological events was the collision of North Africa with the Arabian Peninsula. This momentous event was so important because it resulted in the closure of one of the seas that had existed until that time: the Paratethys Sea. This geological phenomenon can be linked to other events of geological interest, such as those documented later on.
During this period, the movement of India never ceased. It continued, pressing against the Asian region. This caused the Himalayan mountains to grow ever taller, forming higher peaks. The Mediterranean region also experienced significant orogenic activity, and this era saw the rise of some of the most well-known mountains today.
Miocene climate
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, the climate of this period was characterized primarily by low temperatures. This was initially a consequence of the expansion of ice at both poles. This ice expansion began during the preceding epoch, known as the Eocene . Some environments became arid because they were unable to retain moisture. It's important to remember that moisture is key for the development of microorganisms and plants, a vital factor, just as it is in the [missing information - likely a specific context or context].
This period of such low temperatures did not last long. Around the middle of the Miocene, global temperatures began to rise considerably. This temperature increase is known as the Miocene Climatic Optimum. During this period, ambient temperatures gradually increased to 5 degrees Celsius above current levels. This means that the planet had already experienced greater 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 of great size and height developed, rainfall decreased significantly. As the Miocene progressed, the entire planet gradually became drier. Consequently, forest areas shrank, and deserts and tundras expanded.
Flora
Most of the animal and plant species that existed during the Miocene epoch are still found today. Throughout this period, a significant decline in both forests and jungles can be observed due to the previously mentioned increases in temperature and aridity. As rainfall decreased, plants also had to adapt to these changes.
During the Miocene epoch, herbaceous plants and other small plants, more resistant to long periods of drought, began to dominate, allowing them to thrive in diverse areas. One of these species is chaparral. Angiosperms, plants with enclosed seeds, also flourished during this period, including some species we can still admire today.
Fauna
Mammals were the most dominant animal group during the Miocene epoch . They were able to diversify greatly thanks to climate change and the closure of the Paratethys Sea. All kinds of mammals developed, from the smallest group of rodents to large mammals, including some marine mammals, which remind us of many present-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)
Among aquatic mammals, we can also see that they diversified considerably and gave rise to the ancestors of modern whales. Those that grew and developed the most were the cetaceans, especially the toothed whales (odontocetes). These were toothed animals that reached lengths of up to 14 meters. Their diet was entirely carnivorous, consisting of other fish, squid, and even cetaceans of their own group.
We mustn't forget the 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 northern South America. The freshwater turtle is the largest so far. The fossil shows a turtle that could reach approximately two meters in length. It was carnivorous, and its prey consisted of 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.