Pliocene

[ plahy-uh-seen ]

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to an epoch of the Tertiary Period, occurring from 10 to 2 million years ago, and characterized by increased size and numbers of mammals, by the growth of mountains, and by global climatic cooling.

noun

1. the Pliocene Epoch or Series.

Pliocene

/ ˈplaɪəʊˌsiːn /

adjective

1. of, denoting, or formed in the last epoch of the Tertiary period, which lasted for three million years, during which many modern mammals appeared

noun

1. the Pliocene
   the Pliocene epoch or rock series

Pliocene

/ plī′ə-sēn′ /

1. The fifth and last epoch of the Tertiary Period, from about 5 to 2 million years ago. During this time the global climate became cooler and the number and expanse of grasslands and savannas increased greatly. This change in vegetation was accompanied by an increase in long-legged grazers. The land bridge between North America and South America also formed at this time, and massive ice sheets accumulated at the poles. In the later part of the epoch many of the species living in polar regions became extinct.
2. See Chart at geologic time

Other Words From

• post-Plio·cene adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pliocene¹

First recorded in 1825–35; plio- + -cene

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pliocene¹

C19: plio- + -cene, from Greek kainos recent

Example Sentences

Scientists think high levels of CO2 were responsible for the Pliocene’s warmth.

From Science Magazine

Three million years ago, during a period called the Pliocene, temperatures were 2-3 degrees C warmer than they are today, and sea levels were up to 30 meters higher.

From Science Daily

Colder phases in the Pliocene and subsequent Pleistocene, during which the ACC slowed, correlate to advances of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

From Science Daily

We know from other sites that an extinct bear called Agriotherium did roam Africa during the Pliocene, but not one of the animal fossils these teams have recovered at Laetoli is from a bear.

From Scientific American

In the Pliocene epoch, the growth of ice at the poles led to frequent sea level changes and loss of important offshore habitats.

From New York Times