Pleistoceneera

The Pleistocene epoch, often referred to as the Ice Age, is a geological epoch that spanned from approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. It is characterized by repeated cycles of glacial advance and retreat, known as ice ages, which significantly shaped Earth's landscapes and influenced the evolution of life. During glacial periods, vast ice sheets covered large portions of the Northern Hemisphere, leading to lower sea levels as water was locked up in ice. Interglacial periods saw the ice sheets recede and sea levels rise.

The Pleistocene is a pivotal era in human evolution. It witnessed the emergence and diversification of the genus Homo, including species like Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis, and Homo sapiens. Early humans adapted to the harsh, fluctuating climates, developing new tools, social structures, and hunting strategies. Megafauna, including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant sloths, were prevalent during this epoch, many of which eventually went extinct towards the end of the Pleistocene, a phenomenon known as the Quaternary extinction event, whose causes are debated but likely involve a combination of climate change and human activity. The epoch concluded with the beginning of the Holocene epoch, the current interglacial period.