Tampa Bay Fossil Coral Genuine Specimen Miocene Florida USA

Miocene Information

The Miocene Epoch (23–5.3 million years ago) was a time of major climatic and ecological change, shaping many of today’s ecosystems. The climate was generally warmer and drier, but it gradually cooled as ice sheets expanded in Antarctica. This shift led to the spread of grasslands and savannas, replacing many ancient forests and driving the evolution of grazing mammals like early horses, antelope, and elephants. Ape species diversified, with some moving toward more ground-dwelling lifestyles, setting the stage for early hominins. Marine life thrived, with giant sharks like Megalodon ruling the oceans. The Miocene laid the foundation for modern ecosystems, with many plant and animal groups adapting to the drier, open landscapes that became dominant.