What are Some Neogene Organisms?
The Neogene is the geologic period that began 23 million years ago and extends until 2.6 million years ago or until the present day, depending on which scientist you ask. Because it occurred relatively recently or is still ongoing, the organisms of the Neogene tend to be mostly similar to today’s, but with many important differences. Because humans have caused the extinction of thousands of species since we began spreading across the world 60,000 years ago, the Neogene historically had more species than we observe today. During most of the Neogene, the continents were mostly in their present-day positions, though South America was disconnected from other continents and did not connect with North America until 3 million years ago. South America had among the most unusual fauna on the planet, dominated by marsupials, including large carnivorous marsupials, xenarthrans (armadillos, anteaters, and sloths, including the elephant-sized Megatherium), and a unique and diverse group of native u
