Oligocene Epoch

Innovation and ecological collapse gave rise to the tropics’ most important decomposers

Termites became the backbone of tropical ecosystems after two diversification pulses following global extinctions. The traits that define modern termites, such as soil-eating and fungus agriculture, emerged in distinct pulses about 30 million years apart, according to a new study published in Current Biology.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2026

Ancient climate analysis reveals unknown global processes

A new Stanford review of hundreds of studies found little to no sediment dating back to the 34 million-year-old Eocene-Oligocene climate transition, contradicting conventional models. The researchers attribute this globally extensive gap in the geologic record to vigorous ocean bottom currents triggered by major climate shifts.

SourceStanford University·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateOct 9, 2024

Frogs were Florida’s first-known vertebrates from the Caribbean

Frogs from the genus Eleutherodactylus are geologically the oldest Caribbean vertebrates to be found in Florida. They arrived in North America much earlier than previously thought, with evidence suggesting they reached the peninsula through overwater dispersal on flotsam or other buoyant debris.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateNov 6, 2023

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25-million-year-old ancient eagle ruled the roost in Australia

A 63-bone fossil discovery of Archaehierax sylvestris, a 25-million-year-old eagle-like raptor, has been made in South Australia. The species is one of the oldest eagle fossils known from this period and provides insight into raptor evolution in Australia.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·DateSep 27, 2021