Eoceneen

The Eocene epoch, spanning from approximately 56 to 33.9 million years ago, represents a significant period in Earth's geological history. It is the second epoch of the Paleogene Period, following the Paleocene and preceding the Oligocene. The Eocene was characterized by a warm global climate, with average temperatures significantly higher than today. Tropical conditions extended to higher latitudes, and polar regions experienced mild, temperate climates.

This period witnessed a remarkable diversification of mammals, following the extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous. Many modern mammalian orders, such as primates, bats, whales, and odd-toed and even-toed ungulates, originated or underwent significant evolutionary radiation during the Eocene. Birds also continued to evolve and diversify. Plant life flourished, with widespread forests covering much of the landmasses. Tropical and subtropical flora were common across vast areas.

The Eocene was also marked by significant geological activity. Continents were continuing their drift towards their present positions. Mountain-building events, such as the Laramide orogeny in North America and the Alpine orogeny in Eurasia, were active during this time, shaping major mountain ranges. The epoch ended with a significant global cooling event, known as the Eocene-Oligocene extinction event, which led to changes in flora and fauna and ushered in the cooler conditions of the Oligocene.