Key Concepts

Glaciations and interglacial periods
Climate changes
Evolution of early humans and megafauna
Impact of glaciations on landscape and ecology

Key Events

During the Pleistocene epoch, the Earth experienced multiple glaciations, where large ice sheets extended over much of North America, Europe, and Asia. These were interspersed with warmer interglacial periods, during which the ice retreated.

The Pleistocene also saw the evolution of early humans, including Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis, and eventually Homo sapiens. This period also witnessed the extinction of many large mammals, known as megafauna, such as mammoths, mastodons, and sabertooth cats.

Geological Impact

The repeated glaciations and ice ages of the Pleistocene had a significant impact on the Earth's landscape, carving out valleys, fjords, and moraines. The advance and retreat of the ice also influenced the distribution of flora and fauna, shaping the ecology of different regions.

Study Tips

Review the timeline of glaciations and interglacial periods during the Pleistocene.
Understand the impact of climate change on species evolution and extinction.
Examine the geological evidence of glaciations and their effects on the landscape.
Explore the cultural and technological advancements of early humans during this epoch.

◂Chemistry Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Matter and Energy

The resources above cover the following skills:

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (NGSS)

Matter and Its Interactions

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.

Energy

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as either motions of particles or energy stored in fields.