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Flora and Fauna |
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Pleistocene environment The vegetation present from the edge of the ice sheet was clearly grouped into zones as shown above. These zones moved along with the movement of the ice sheet as it advanced and retreated during glacial and interglacial periods. Despite the inhospitable conditions of the tundra many mammals inhabited this area; they were able to survive the cold through physiological adaptations and when the conditions became very harsh during winter they could either migrate or hibernate. The winter was especially harsh because the snow covering became deeper, burying vegetation and the temperature could fall very low. Further from the ice front other areas were less affected by the ice age; the Mediterranean had a cool temperate climate while the tropical areas showed little effect. The tropical vegetation was comparable to today's with slight variations in humidity and rainfall during the Pleistocene associated with sea level rise and fall. The fauna present in the Pleistocene was varied with many animals that may appear strange in comparison to the familiar modern fauna. Further details can be found elsewhere on this site about the following Pleistocene mammals: Woolly Rhino Irish Elk Dire wolf Scimitar-toothed cat European cave bear Stegodon |
