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WordNet-Online
Definitions from WordNet
Noun oligocene epoch has 1 sense
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Definitions from the WebOligocene EpochDescription: The Oligocene Epoch is a geological time period that occurred approximately 34 to 23 million years ago, following the Eocene Epoch and preceding the Miocene Epoch. It represents the third and last epoch of the Paleogene period. The term "oligocene" comes from the Greek words 'oligos' meaning "few" and 'kainos' meaning "new". Senses and Usages: 1. Noun: a) The Oligocene Epoch is characterized by a significant transition in climate as it marked the final cooling from the global greenhouse conditions of the early Paleogene, leading to the establishment of cooler and drier climatic conditions worldwide. b) Fossil evidence from the Oligocene Epoch provides crucial insights into the evolution and diversification of various mammal groups, including early primates. c) The Oligocene Epoch is also recognized for the occurrence of evolutionary events such as the dispersal of grasses, diversification of grazers, and the rise of large carnivorous mammals. 2. Adjective: a) The Oligocene sedimentary rocks hold a rich fossil record, including a variety of marine and terrestrial organisms. b) The Oligocene strata have been extensively studied to understand the paleoenvironmental changes that took place during this epoch. c) Many paleontologists consider the Oligocene fauna as an important transitional phase between the Paleogene and Neogene fauna. Sample Sentences: 1. The Oligocene epoch witnessed the emergence of numerous mammal species. 2. Fossilized leaves from the Oligocene epoch indicate the existence of diverse flora in that period. 3. Researchers discovered a rare Oligocene fossil embedded in the sedimentary rock formation. Related Products: Books on the Evolution of Mammals | ||||
oligarchs oligarchy oligarghy oligargy oligarhy oligarks oligation oligocene oligocene epoch oligochaeta oligochaete oligochaete worm oligoclase oligodactyly oligodendria oligodendrocyte oligodendroglia
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