Planet Earth - Neogene Period

The Neogene Period runs from 23.03 to 2.588 million years ago. We are getting closer to the 21st Century. Details of this era to come...

According to Alylwyn Scally of the Sanger Institute, in an article in the New Scientist, "15 million years ago was a good time to be an ape" as the climate and vegetation parameters helped to expand the geographical location and the diversity of these creatures. But as we have learned, from past extinctions and other historic events, when a parameter such as climate changes this has a knock on effect to the creature - be it through the change in population and social structure of the animal, the evolution of the animal or the decision for the animal to find a creative solution to continue life.

It is thought around 10 million years ago (according to an article in the New Scientist) the creatures, known as gorillas, split from their other common ancestors, the chimpanzees and the humans. 

8 to 6 million years ago, it is thought that humans and chimpanzees shared a common ancestor.

6.42 million years ago, it is estimated as the origin of bipedalism (walking on two legs rather than four).

4 million years ago, the creatures that were later called Australopithecines appear on the planet. The fossilised remains suggest a cerebral volume of between 400 to 500 cubic centimetres. Current brain volume is around 1300 cubic centimetres.

3.3 million years ago was the evolution of the crab or pubic louse (Pthirus pubis) and it was suggested that this may have promoted the loss of body hair on humans. An article, quotes Dr. Pagel, in the New York Times suggests that the lack of body hair acts like an advert for healthy skin - "No fleas, lice or ticks on me!" Although, there are many theories as to why fur was lost, which will be touched on later.


2.6 million years ago is the estimated date of the oldest known stone tool...more details to come.