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The Pleistocene Epoch is a geological epoch that spanned from approximately 2.58 million years ago to 11,700 years ago. It is the second epoch of the Neogene Period and the Quaternary System. The Pleistocene is characterized by repeated cycles of glacial and interglacial periods, which have significantly influenced global climate and ecosystems. This epoch is notable for the appearance of modern humans, Homo sapiens, around 300,000 years ago, and the development of complex human cultures.

The Pleistocene is divided into three sub-epochs: the Gelasian, the Calabrian, and the Pleistocene. The Gelasian began around 2.58 million years ago and ended around 1.8 million years ago. The Calabrian followed, lasting from 1.8 million to 780,000 years ago. The Pleistocene sub-epoch began around 780,000 years ago and continued until the end of the epoch.

The Pleistocene is marked by significant climatic changes, including the onset of the Quaternary glaciation around 2.7 million years ago. This period saw the growth and retreat of large ice sheets, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. The most recent glacial period, known as the Last Glacial Maximum, occurred around 26,500 to 20,000 years ago, and was followed by the Holocene Epoch, which began around 11,700 years ago.

The Pleistocene Epoch is of great interest to scientists studying climate change, human evolution, and the development of early human societies. The epoch's climatic fluctuations have provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of global climate change, while the presence of early humans and their adaptations to changing environments offer a window into the origins of modern human behavior and culture.