IRVINGTONIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Irvingtonian is an adjective that refers to a geological epoch during the Late Miocene period, which lasted from approximately 1.8 to 1.6 million years ago. This term is primarily used in North America to describe a time when various mammalian species existed and evolved. The Irvingtonian epoch is named after Irvington, California, where important fossils were discovered and studied.
During the Irvingtonian, the landscape and climate of North America were significantly different from today. The continent experienced a warm and moist climate, with forests covering large areas. As a result, a diverse range of plant and animal life flourished during this period. Many species that exist today had their ancestors originating from the Irvingtonian epoch.
Fossils found from this era provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of mammals in North America, including the appearance and diversification of many modern species. Paleontologists often study the remains of animals such as horses, camels, mastodons, and giant sloths to better understand the Irvingtonian epoch.
In summary, "Irvingtonian" refers to an important geological epoch of the Late Miocene period in North America. It represents a time of significant evolution and diversification of mammalian species, where the climate and landscape greatly differed from the present-day.
Etymology of IRVINGTONIAN
The word "Irvingtonian" is derived from the name "Irvington", which itself is derived from the name "Irving". Irvington is a place name and refers to various locations in the United States, commonly used as the name of towns or neighborhoods.
The name "Irving" is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Old English personal name "Ifing", which means "green water" or "lovers of peace". It is also associated with the Scottish surname "Irving", meaning "green water" or "green long-habitation".
The term "Irvingtonian" is often used in paleontology to describe a particular geologic time period or geologic stage known as the "Irvingtonian North American Land Mammal Age". This time period is associated with the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 1.
