MIOCENE Meaning and
Definition
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Miocene is an adjective used to describe a geological epoch that occurred approximately 23 to 5.3 million years ago, during the Neogene period. It is also known as the age of the "Age of Grasses" due to the widespread expansion of grasslands during this epoch. The Miocene epoch follows the Oligocene and precedes the Pliocene.
During the Miocene, major geological and climatic changes shaped the Earth's landscape, including the continued drifting of continents, the formation of the Himalayas, and the opening of the East African Rift Valley. The climate during this epoch was generally warm and stable, but with fluctuations that allowed the expansion of diverse ecosystems around the world.
Paleontological studies reveal that the Miocene was marked by the diversification and high abundance of many modern plant and animal species. It is considered a crucial period for the evolution and differentiation of numerous mammals, such as elephants, horses, canids, felines, and primates, including the emergence of the earliest apes. Marine life also flourished during this time, with the emergence of new coral reefs and the appearance of iconic marine mammals like dolphins and whales.
The Miocene epoch represents an important era in Earth's history, providing vital insights into the evolution of many modern flora and fauna. Its significance also extends to various scientific disciplines, including paleontology, geology, and climate science, as the Miocene serves as a reference point for understanding past geological events and climatic patterns.
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In geol., a term applied to the Middle Tertiaries, as holding a less percentage of recent shells than the Pliocene or Upper Tertiaries.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MIOCENE
Etymology of MIOCENE
The word "Miocene" is derived from two Greek words: "meíōn" (μείον), meaning "less", and "kainós" (καινός), meaning "new" or "recent". The term was first introduced in 1833 by the Scottish geologist Sir Charles Lyell to describe a geological epoch that represented a period of time "less recent" or "less new" than the Pliocene epoch. The Miocene epoch is known for being an important period in the Earth's history, roughly spanning from 23 to 5.3 million years ago.
Idioms with the word MIOCENE
Similar spelling words for MIOCENE
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