Last Interglacial period

Definition

The Last Interglacial period, also known as the Eemian, was a warm period that occurred between the penultimate glaciation (Saalian) and the last glacial period (Weichselian). It was a time when global temperatures were higher than today, and sea levels were several meters above present-day levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Last Interglacial period lasted from approximately 130,000 to 115,000 years ago, making it the most recent interglacial period before the current Holocene Epoch.
2. During the Last Interglacial, global temperatures were 1-2°C higher than the pre-industrial levels, and sea levels were 5-9 meters above present-day levels.
3. The Last Interglacial period was a time of increased precipitation and the expansion of forests and grasslands in many regions, providing favorable conditions for the emergence and dispersal of archaic Homo species.
4. The transition from the Last Interglacial to the Last Glacial period was marked by a significant drop in global temperatures and the growth of large ice sheets, which had a significant impact on the distribution and evolution of early human populations.
5. The study of the Last Interglacial period provides important insights into the natural variability of the Earth's climate and the potential impacts of future climate change on human societies and ecosystems.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Last Interglacial period relates to the emergence and dispersal of archaic Homo species.
  • The Last Interglacial period, which lasted from approximately 130,000 to 115,000 years ago, was a time of warmer global temperatures and increased precipitation. These favorable climatic conditions led to the expansion of forests and grasslands in many regions, providing resources and habitats that supported the emergence and dispersal of archaic Homo species, such as Homo heidelbergensis and early forms of Homo sapiens. The transition from the Last Interglacial to the Last Glacial period, with its significant drop in global temperatures and growth of large ice sheets, had a significant impact on the distribution and evolution of these early human populations, shaping the course of human history.
• Analyze the potential implications of studying the Last Interglacial period for our understanding of future climate change and its impact on human societies and ecosystems.
  • The study of the Last Interglacial period provides valuable insights into the natural variability of the Earth's climate and the potential impacts of future climate change. During the Last Interglacial, global temperatures were 1-2°C higher than pre-industrial levels, and sea levels were several meters above present-day levels. This information can help scientists and policymakers better understand the potential consequences of anthropogenic climate change, including rising sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and the impact on natural habitats and human settlements. By analyzing the environmental and ecological changes that occurred during the Last Interglacial, researchers can develop more accurate models and strategies for mitigating and adapting to the challenges posed by future climate change, ensuring the long-term resilience of human societies and ecosystems.
• Evaluate the significance of the Last Interglacial period in the broader context of the Pleistocene Epoch and its influence on the evolution and dispersal of early human species.
  • The Last Interglacial period, which occurred during the Pleistocene Epoch, was a crucial time in the evolution and dispersal of early human species. As a warm interglacial period, the Last Interglacial provided favorable climatic conditions that supported the expansion of forests and grasslands, creating habitats that were conducive to the emergence and spread of archaic Homo species, such as Homo heidelbergensis and early forms of Homo sapiens. The transition from the Last Interglacial to the Last Glacial period, with its significant drop in global temperatures and the growth of large ice sheets, had a profound impact on the distribution and evolution of these early human populations, shaping the course of human history. By understanding the environmental and ecological changes that occurred during the Last Interglacial, researchers can better contextualize the broader patterns of human evolution and dispersal within the dynamic climate fluctuations of the Pleistocene Epoch, providing valuable insights into the complex relationship between climate, environment, and the development of our species.

Related terms

Interglacial: An interglacial is a warm period between two glacial periods, characterized by a global warming trend and the retreat of glaciers.

Glacial Period: A glacial period is a cold period within an ice age, marked by the expansion of glaciers and ice sheets across the Earth's surface.

Pleistocene Epoch: The Pleistocene Epoch was the geological epoch that lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago, and was characterized by periodic glacial and interglacial cycles.