Explore an Era:
Miocene
24 - 5 million years ago
Warmer global climate |
Land connections form |
Kelp forests, grasslands & expanding deserts |
New forms of mammals and birds |
None |
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The Miocene was a time of warmer global climates than those in the preceeding or following epochs. By the middle of the Miocene, the Bering land connection between Siberia and Alaska had formed, allowing major migrations of different species. By the end of the period, the Panama isthmus had begun to form between Central and South America.
Two major ecosystems first appear at this time: kelp forests and grasslands. With the kelp forests appear sea otters and other animals that live in that environment. Expanding deserts, tundra and grasslands led to the development of new forms of mammals and birds.
By the end of the Miocene, 95% of modern seed families existed.