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The Pleistocene epoch is a period of time that occurred 1.8 million to 11,000 years ago. It is during this period that modern man evolved althogh our relatives in the genus ''Homo'' have been present since the late Pliocene. The Pleistocene is also known for its frequent glaciations. Many large animals went extinct at the end of this period including sabre toothed tigers, wooly mammoths, and neanderthals, our sister species.
The Pleistocene epoch is a period of time that occurred 1.8 million to 11,000 years ago. It is during this period that modern man evolved althogh our relatives in the genus ''Homo'' have been present since the late Pliocene. The Pleistocene is also known for its frequent glaciations. Many large animals went extinct at the end of this period including sabre toothed tigers, wooly mammoths, and neanderthals, our sister species. This epoch coincided with ice ages which ravaged the earth as well as interglacials. It is thought that the Pleistocene ice age is still ongoing and that we are merely in another interglacial althogh global warming may result in a superinterglacial. This will delay or prevent us from going into another ice age.
==Pleistocene extinctions==
==Pleistocene extinctions==
Flora and Fauna in the Pleistocene were very similar to what is found today. Many of the same species of mollusks, birds, mammals, and insects still exist. The Pleistocene however, was also characterized by many large mammals which are now extinct. These include giant sloths, neanderthals, wooly mammoths, and sabre toothed cats. Horses and camels once galloped across the North American plains and giant birds with 25 foot wingspans stalked prey.
Flora and Fauna in the Pleistocene were very similar to what is found today. Many of the same species of mollusks, birds, mammals, and insects still exist. The Pleistocene however, was also characterized by many large mammals which are now extinct. These include giant sloths, neanderthals, wooly mammoths, and sabre toothed cats. Horses and camels once galloped across the North American plains and giant birds with 25 foot wingspans stalked prey.