Miocene epoch

The Miocene

Epoch

Fun Facts

• Many of the established taxa today appeared in the Miocene, such as whales and canines.
• Unlike many sections on the GTS, the end of the Miocene isn't distinguished by a mass extinction. Lucky us.
• The first kelp forests appeared at this time.
• Grasslands expanded during the Miocene, creating an advantage for grazing animals, and eventually human ancestors.

Climate

The Miocene's climate changed frequently, having regular episodes of global warming and cooling (Pound, M. et al). However, the CO2 levels in the atmosphere were comparable to modern CO2 levels. Scientists can use what they know about the Miocene climate to gauge the effects of similar CO2 levels in our current climate. (Steinthorsdottir, M. et al.)

Geography

Tectonic activity led to the formation of mountain ranges that exist today including the Himalayas, Pyranese, and Alps. There was also volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean (transformation and subduction between the Pacific plate, Philippine sea plate, and Mineoka plate) that contributed to the formation of modern-day Japan (Ganbat, A. et al).

Major Event

A major event that happened during this epoch was the beginning of the great ape lineage. The tranistionary genus Proconsul appeared and was distinctive from its predicessors because of its lack of tail. In the millions of years that would follow, the ancestors of the great apes would diverge from each other;

• Orangutans - 13 mya
• Gorillas - 10 mya
• Chimps - 7 mya
• Humans - 5.3 mya

References

Ganbat, Ariuntsetseg, et al. "Cretaceous to Miocene NW Pacific Plate Kinematic Constraints: Paleomagnetism and Ar–Ar Geochronology in the Mineoka Ophiolite MéLange (Japan)." Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, vol. 126, no. 5, 2021

Pound, Matthew J., et al. "Global Vegetation Dynamics and Latitudinal Temperature Gradients during the Mid to Late Miocene (15.97–5.33 Ma)." Earth-Science Reviews, vol. 112, no. 1-2, 2012, pp. 1-22

Steinthorsdottir, M., et al. "The Miocene: The Future of the Past." Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology, vol. 36, no. 4, 2021