Late miocene

Definition

The late Miocene refers to the final phase of the Miocene Epoch, occurring approximately 11.6 to 5.3 million years ago. This period is marked by significant climatic changes and the diversification of hominoids, laying crucial groundwork for the evolution of modern apes and early human ancestors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the late Miocene, global temperatures started to decline, leading to the expansion of grasslands and a decrease in forested areas, which affected hominoid habitats.
2. Key hominoid fossils from this period include species like Proconsul and Dryopithecus, which are believed to be ancestors of modern apes and humans.
3. The late Miocene saw the development of bipedalism in some hominins, as they began adapting to the changing environmental conditions and habitats.
4. This era is critical for understanding the evolutionary transition from tree-dwelling (arboreal) lifestyles to more terrestrial adaptations among early ancestors.
5. The diversification of hominoids during the late Miocene set the stage for future evolutionary developments, including the emergence of genus Homo.

Review Questions

• How did climatic changes during the late Miocene influence hominoid diversity?
  • Climatic changes during the late Miocene, particularly the decline in temperatures and expansion of grasslands, greatly influenced hominoid diversity. As forests receded, hominoids had to adapt to new environments, leading to diversification in physical traits and behaviors. These changes encouraged some species to develop terrestrial adaptations while others maintained arboreal lifestyles, resulting in a wider variety of hominoid forms.
• What are some key fossil discoveries from the late Miocene that have advanced our understanding of ape evolution?
  • Key fossil discoveries from the late Miocene include Proconsul and Dryopithecus, which provide critical insights into ape evolution. These fossils exhibit anatomical features that reveal transitional adaptations between early ape-like forms and modern apes. The anatomical evidence gathered from these fossils helps scientists understand the evolutionary pathways leading to both hominids and contemporary apes.
• Evaluate the significance of the late Miocene in shaping modern human evolution and its broader implications in paleoanthropology.
  • The late Miocene is significant in shaping modern human evolution because it marks a period of substantial environmental change that prompted adaptive strategies among early hominins. This era's fossil evidence illustrates critical transitions towards bipedalism and varying social structures. Understanding these adaptations offers valuable insights into how early humans responded to ecological pressures, contributing to our knowledge of human ancestry within the broader context of evolutionary biology.

Related terms

Hominoids: A group of primates that includes all apes and humans, characterized by larger brains and more complex social behaviors compared to other primate groups.

Fossil Record: The historical sequence of life as documented by fossils, providing essential evidence for understanding evolution, species diversity, and ecological changes over time.

Paleoclimate: The climate of the Earth during previous geological periods, which helps in understanding how ancient ecosystems functioned and how organisms adapted to changing environments.