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Early Miocene Epoch
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Table 4: Geologic time scale. To see more information about a period, select one from the chart.
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Early Miocene Epoch

geochronology
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Table 4: Geologic time scale. To see more information about a period, select one from the chart.
Table 4: Geologic time scale. To see more information about a period, select one from the chart.

The Early Miocene Epoch, a division of the Neogene Period, spans from 23 to 16 million years ago. This epoch is characterized by significant developments in vertebrate life, particularly mammals, with many modern families appearing for the first time.1

Key features of the Early Miocene include:
* Mammalian Evolution: Land mammals were largely modern, with the diversification of horses, and the emergence of early dogs, bears, hyenas, and saber-toothed cats.1
* Geographic Distribution: Mammal faunas showed some interchange between the Old and New Worlds, but South America and Australia remained isolated.1
* Marine Life: Changes in ocean circulation patterns influenced marine plankton and mollusks, leading to increased biodiversity.1
* Primate Evolution: While early primates existed, the evolution of higher primates, including apes, was a significant development during this period.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Miocene Epoch
  2. Oligocene Epoch

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