Pleistocén

The Pleistocene epoch is a geological epoch that lasted from about 2,580,000 to 11,700 years ago. It is the first epoch of the Quaternary period. The Pleistocene is most notable for being the last epoch where the Earth experienced a series of glacial and interglacial periods, often referred to as the Ice Ages. During glacial periods, large ice sheets covered significant portions of the Northern Hemisphere, leading to a drop in sea levels and the formation of land bridges.

This epoch saw the rise and fall of many large mammal species, including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant ground sloths. These megafauna adapted to the fluctuating climates and diverse environments of the Pleistocene. Human evolution also occurred during this time, with early hominins developing increasingly sophisticated tools and behaviors. The development of fire, the creation of cave art, and the migration of humans across continents are significant milestones of the later Pleistocene.

The end of the Pleistocene, marked by the beginning of the Holocene epoch, coincided with the extinction of many Pleistocene megafauna. The exact causes of these extinctions are debated but likely involved a combination of climate change, human hunting, and habitat loss. The Pleistocene left a lasting impact on Earth's geography, biodiversity, and the evolutionary trajectory of our own species.