This video from the Museum's Florida Fossils exhibit describes the Pliocene Epoch, 5 million to 2 million years ago. The formation of a land bridge across Panama in Central America about 3 million years ago was a major biotic event. Both North and South America had been previously isolated for millions of years. Each had evolved its own unique flora and fauna.
Contact between North and South America allowed for the overland dispersal of organisms between the two continents. Mammals living in North America invaded South America, and South American mammals moved north. The closure of the seaway between North and South America apparently resulted in extinctions of many marine organisms. However, newly formed habitats also promoted the evolution of many new species.
Produced, directed and filmed for the Florida Museum of Natural History by Wes C. Skiles/Karst Productions, Inc.
EXHIBIT
Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land
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Florida Museum educator resources:
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