The late Miocene is a geological time period that occurred approximately 11.6 to 5.3 million years ago. During this time, the Earth experienced significant changes in climate and environments, with a cooling trend leading to the eventual onset of the Ice Ages. The late Miocene is characterized by the diversification and extinction of various plant and animal species, including the rise of early hominins in Africa. Research in the late Miocene focuses on understanding the environmental and ecological shifts that occurred during this period, as well as the evolution of various species, including mammals, birds, and plants. Scientists study fossil records, sedimentary deposits, and isotopic data to reconstruct past climates, ecosystems, and evolutionary relationships. This research provides valuable insights into the processes driving biodiversity, climate change, and the evolution of life on Earth during this critical period in Earth's history.