Late Miocene Epoch

The Late Miocene Epoch is the final stage of the Miocene Epoch, spanning from approximately 11.6 million to 5.3 million years ago. The Miocene Epoch itself is the earliest major division of the Neogene Period, which lasted from 23 million to 2.6 million years ago.1

During the Late Miocene, significant evolutionary developments occurred in mammals. Many modern mammalian families were present, and there was faunal interchange between continents. For instance, the evolution of horses continued in North America, and early forms of dogs, bears, hyenas, and saber-toothed cats appeared. In South America, which remained isolated, unique marsupial carnivores and other specialized mammals evolved.1

Marine life also saw accelerated evolution, with most modern whale groups appearing by the end of the Miocene. In terms of primates, advanced apes were present in Europe and Africa, with fossil evidence suggesting this region as the origin of humanlike forms and modern humans. The Late Miocene was followed by the Pliocene Epoch.12