File:Mollweide_Paleographic_Map_of_Earth,_5_Ma_(Zanclean_Age).png · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

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Pliocene

Also known as Pliocene Epoch, Pleiocene, Pleiocene Epoch, Pliocene Series, Pleiocene Series

The Pliocene ( ; also Pleiocene) is the epoch in the geologic time scale that extends from 5.33 to 2.58 million years ago (Ma). It is the second and most recent epoch of the Neogene Period in the Cenozoic Era. The Pliocene follows the Miocene Epoch and is followed by the Pleistocene Epoch. Prior to the 2009 revision of the geologic time scale, which placed the four most recent major glaciations entirely within the Pleistocene, the Pliocene also included the Gelasian Stage, which lasted from 2.59 to 1.81 Ma, and is now included in the Pleistocene.

AI overview

The Pliocene is a period in Earth's history that lasted from about 5.33 to 2.58 million years ago, positioned between the Miocene and Pleistocene epochs within the Cenozoic Era. It matters to scientists studying Earth's past because it represents a key interval in our planet's geological record and helps us understand how climate and life evolved during that time.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Geologic timespan.name: Pliocene
Geologic timespan.color: Pliocene
Geologic timespan.time_start: 5.333
Geologic timespan.time_start_uncertainty: 0.08
Geologic timespan.time_end: 2.58
Geologic timespan.time_end_uncertainty: 0.04
Geologic timespan.image_map: Mollweide Paleographic Map of Earth, 5 Ma (Zanclean Age).png
Geologic timespan.caption_map: A map of Earth as it appeared 5 million years ago during the Pliocene Epoch, Zanclean Age
Geologic timespan.timeline: Neogene
Geologic timespan.name_formality: Formal
Geologic timespan.celestial_body: earth
Geologic timespan.usage: Global (ICS)
Geologic timespan.timescales_used: ICS Time Scale
Geologic timespan.chrono_unit: Epoch
Geologic timespan.strat_unit: Series
Geologic timespan.timespan_formality: Formal
Geologic timespan.lower_boundary_def: Base of the Thvera magnetic event (C3n.4n), which is only 96 ka (5 precession cycles) younger than the GSSP
Geologic timespan.lower_gssp_location: Heraclea Minoa section, Heraclea Minoa, Cattolica Eraclea, Sicily, Italy

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image: Landscape of the Pliocene epoch - showing environment at the time of men's appearance - drawn by Riou.jpg

Show 4 more facts

Commons category: Pliocene
start time: 5333000-00
end time: 2580000-00
sRGB color hex triplet: FFFF99

Sources (4)

via Wikidata · CC0

~23 min read

Article

20 sections

Contents

Etymology
Subdivisions
Climate
Paleogeography
Environment and evolution of human ancestors
Flora
Fauna
Image gallery
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles and amphibians
Bivalves
Corals
Oceans
Supernovae
See also
Notes
References
Further reading
External links

As with other older geologic periods, the geological strata that define the start and end are well-identified but the exact dates of the start and end of the epoch are slightly uncertain. The boundaries defining the Pliocene are not set at an easily identified worldwide event but rather at regional boundaries between the warmer Miocene and the relatively cooler Pleistocene. The upper boundary was set at the start of the Pleistocene glaciations.