Late Miocene

What Was the Late Miocene?

The Late Miocene was a special time in Earth's long history. It was part of a bigger time called the Miocene. This time had two main parts: the Tortonian and the Messinian. It lasted from about 11.63 million years ago to 5.333 million years ago.

Earth and Life Then

During the Late Miocene, our planet looked a little different from today. The weather changed, and continents moved, which changed life on Earth. Scientists love to study this time because it helps us learn how our world has changed over millions of years.

Animals and Plants

Many interesting things happened with animals. Gibbons and orangutans were the first to go their own way from the family that includes humans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos. Some think this happened during the Late Miocene.

In the Iberian Peninsula, more animals that eat grass showed up. Animals that eat leaves or fruits became fewer. This happened because the weather became drier. Also, cats and dogs started to become more different from each other in this area.