The Pliocene epoch is the last epoch of the Neogene period of the Cenozoic era . It began approximately 5.5 million years ago and ended 2.6 million years ago. This epoch was highly significant in the development of early hominids and the flora and fauna of the entire planet. Pliocene fauna began to colonize different regions, limited by the climatic conditions of that time. In many cases, these habitats have remained unchanged to the present day.
In this article we are going to tell you about all the characteristics, biodiversity and evolution of the Pliocene fauna.
Changes in the Pliocene epoch
This period, thanks to the discovery of early fossils, revealed that the first hominid to inhabit this planet, Australopithecus, lived on the African continent. This era brought about significant changes in biodiversity, both flora and fauna. Plants began to diversify in different areas with varying climates. The Pliocene epoch lasted approximately 3 million years.
Much of this change and diversification in the distribution of plants and animals originated from profound and significant changes in the Earth's bodies of water. The seas and oceans were modified during this period. A break occurred in the connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As a consequence of this break, what we know today as the Isthmus of Panama emerged. The Mediterranean Sea also refilled with water from the Atlantic Ocean, ending the Messinian salinity crisis. This crisis refers to the high concentrations of salt in the Mediterranean Sea due to the closure of the Strait of Gibraltar.
As the rate of evaporation increased and water became less abundant, the salt concentration increased to such an extent that it could no longer sustain plant and animal life. With the introduction of fresh water from the Atlantic, salinity levels were reduced to a stable level.
Finally, one of the most important evolutionary events of the Pliocene epoch was the appearance of the first hominins. Australopithecus was the pivotal hominin in the origin of the human species , playing a significant role in the development of Pliocene fauna.
Pliocene flora and fauna
During this period, plants proliferated thanks to a rise in global temperatures. Grasslands were the most prevalent vegetation. Temperatures were quite low throughout this time, as glaciers spread across vast areas. Although low temperatures were widespread, tropical vegetation, including rainforests and other forests, also existed. However, these forested regions were limited to the equatorial region, where climatic conditions were more favorable.
In the remaining areas with lower temperatures, it was grasslands that were able to colonize the territories. Due to the climatic changes that occurred during this period, large expanses of arid land emerged, which later became deserts, some of which still prevail today. In areas near the poles, flora established itself and persists today. This flora includes conifers, which are plants that are highly capable of withstanding low temperatures and thrive in more extreme environments.
The most widespread biome during this period was the tundra. The tundra has remained so to this day, as it forms the borderlands with the North Pole.
Regarding the Pliocene fauna, we find one of the greatest milestones in human development. The first hominid, known as Australopithecus, developed. Furthermore, we see a significant development and diversification of mammals, which underwent remarkable evolution. Mammals were able to expand across a wide range of environments and adapt to different conditions. This can also be observed in the Pleistocene fauna, where mammals continued to evolve.
Although other animal groups also experienced certain genetic and evolutionary changes, mammals were the group of animals that evolved the most. The Pliocene fauna is a clear example of how this happened.
Mammals of the Pliocene fauna
Mammals began to settle in areas that remain stable today. An ancient group of mammals characterized by walking on their toes are the ungulates. Various species belonged to this group of animals, and they began to lose members and territory. However, in other regions, they managed to adapt and thrive. We are talking about camels and horses. The tips of these animals' toes are covered by hooves.
Another group of animals that developed during this period were the proboscideans. This group of animals' main characteristic is the extension of their faces. This extension is called the proboscis. Several specimens of this group existed in the Pliocene fauna, such as elephants and stegodonts. Of these two groups of animals, only elephants have survived to the present day.
Among mammals, we also find rodents, whose main characteristic is their highly developed incisors, ideal for gnawing on wood or other materials and feeding on them. They are quadrupeds and vary in size. It is said that they fled mainly to parts of the European continent.
Australopithecus was the first hominid capable of bipedal locomotion, meaning it could walk on its two hind legs. It was quite small, standing only about 1.30 meters tall, and had a slender build. Its diet was omnivorous, and it thrived in Africa, where most of its fossils have been found.
Other animals
Other animal groups also experienced significant development during the Pliocene epoch. Reptiles flourished, especially alligators and crocodiles. Most birds inhabited the American continent and preyed on a wide variety of animals. Another group of birds, known as Anseriformes, also flourished. This group includes ducks and swans, among others.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the Pliocene fauna.
