The Cenozoic Era encompassed several periods. The Neogene Period was the second of this era, beginning approximately 23 million years ago and ending about 2.6 million years ago. During this time, our planet underwent a series of changes and transformations, both geologically and in terms of biodiversity. The Neogene fauna was characterized by one of the most significant events in Earth's history: the emergence of the first hominids.
In this article we are going to tell you all the characteristics and evolution of the Neogene fauna.
Neogene Period
The Neogene period lasted approximately 20 million years and was marked by significant geological changes and a rise in biodiversity. It is known as the period in which the first hominids, known as Australopithecus, appeared. This hominid species represents the earliest known ancestors of humankind.
During the Neogene Period, there was a major shift in global geological activity. The continents continued their slower movement from their current locations. This continental shift caused ocean currents to change and physical barriers to emerge, such as the Isthmus of Panama. These geological movements were important events that influenced the decrease in temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean.
All these geological and temperature changes influenced the emergence and development of biodiversity. Throughout this period, a great diversity of animals was observed. The animal groups that underwent the greatest transformation were terrestrial and marine mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Development of life in the Neogene
Throughout this period, there was an expansion of existing life forms. Due to the climate, terrestrial temperatures had a significant influence on the development and establishment of new living beings . Both flora and fauna underwent various changes, with fauna experiencing greater diversification. Flora remained somewhat more stagnant.
The flora of the Neogene period is notable for its relative stagnation due to the climate . The cooler climate during this time limited the development of large rainforests and woodlands. Furthermore, this drop in temperatures also led to the disappearance of vast areas of these forests. Because of these environmental conditions, certain plant species that could adapt to cooler temperatures thrived.
Plants that can thrive under more adverse conditions are those that belong to the herbaceous family. Some specialists refer to the Neogene period as the age of herbs. Not everything was negative for the plants. Some species of angiosperms were also established and developed successfully.
Neogene fauna
We are going to see how the climate and geological development affected the Neogene fauna. During this period, various groups of animals diversified, among which we recognize as more evolved such as mammals, reptiles, and birds. Marine ecosystems had extensive development, especially the group of cetaceans.
Let's analyze one by one the groups of animals that developed the most during the Neogene fauna.
Birds
Within the bird group, the most highly developed were those belonging to the passerine order. Some birds from the Neogene period are also known as terror birds. This large group of animals established themselves on the American continent. Today, passerine birds are the most diverse and extensive group. They have managed to maintain a high level of survival over time.
Among their main characteristics are that they are animals that have legs on which they perch on tree branches. They also have the ability to sing. These abilities allow them to establish complex mating rituals. The passerine group is also known as the group of songbirds. During the Neogene period, the bird group began to gain strength and become increasingly numerous . As the continents continued to drift towards their current positions, these animals diversified.
The largest number of fossil records have been found primarily in South America. These records attest to the existence of large birds. Many of these birds were large but unable to fly. However, they became major predators during this time. This group of birds was also known as terror birds.
Neogene fauna: mammals
Mammals were a group of animals that underwent significant changes. One of the groups that evolved the most were the animals belonging to the Bovidae and Cervidae families . These two groups include goats, sheep, antelopes, deer, and stags. All of these animals expanded their range considerably.
Likewise, there are other large mammals such as elephants, mammoths and rhinos that experienced great development. Some of these species such as mammoths have not been able to survive until today due to certain changes that came later.
It's also important to note that some primates, specifically monkeys, were prominent in the Neogene fauna. Each primate group had its own habitat and underwent certain transformations during its evolutionary process. Most primates were found on the African and American continents.
The Neogene fauna also saw the development of other major mammals, such as felines and canines. Several different types of bears and hyenas also diversified during this period. Within the mammal group, one of the most important events in the evolutionary process of humankind took place: the emergence and development of the first hominid.
The first hominid developed was baptized by the name of Australopithecus. It was characterized mainly by having a small size and a bipedal movement.
reptiles
Finally, reptiles also flourished in the Neogene fauna. Among them were frogs, toads, and snakes, which were able to expand their ranges . This was due to the abundance of food available to them. Their diet consisted mainly of insects, which were very plentiful.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the Neogene fauna.