Pliocene

The Pliocene epoch (a.k.a. formerly Pleiocene) is the period in the geologic timescale that extends from 5.3 million to 1.8 million years before present.

Related Topics:
Epoch - Pleiocene - Geologic timescale

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The Pliocene follows the Miocene epoch and is followed by the Pleistocene epoch. The Pliocene is the second epoch of the Neogene period.

Related Topics:
Miocene - Pleistocene - Neogene

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As with other older geologic periods, the rock beds that define the start and end are well identified, but the exact dates of the start and end of the epoch are slightly uncertain. The Pliocene was named by Sir Charles Lyell. The name means roughly "continuation of the recent", and refers to the essentially modern mammalian faunas.

Related Topics:
Rock bed - Sir Charles Lyell - Mammal

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The Pliocene boundaries are not set at an easily identified worldwide event but rather at regional boundaries between the warmer Miocene and the relatively cooler Pliocene. The upper boundary was intended to be set at the start of the Pleistocene glaciations but is now considered to be set too late.

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