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Middle 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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Middle 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 Middle Miocene Epoch, a division of the Neogene Period, spans from 16 million to 11.6 million years ago. This epoch is characterized by significant developments in vertebrate life, particularly mammals, with many modern families already present.1

During this time, land mammals in the Northern Hemisphere saw faunal exchanges between the Old and New Worlds, while South America and Australia remained isolated. Horse evolution was prominent in North America, with genera like Miohippus and Merychippus appearing. Early forms of dogs, bears, hyenas, and saber-toothed cats also emerged. In South America, isolated evolution led to unique fauna such as marsupial carnivores and aberrant endentates.1

Marine environments also experienced changes, with the appearance of most modern whale groups, as well as early seals and walruses. The Middle Miocene also saw the development of ice sheets in Antarctica.12

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5 Britannica Sources
  1. Miocene Epoch
  2. Pliocene Epoch
  3. Miocene
  4. Tertiary Period - Paleoclimate
  5. Tertiary Period - Establishing Tertiary boundaries

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