Piocene vs. Pliocene — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 19, 2023
"Piocene" is an incorrect spelling; "Pliocene" is correct, referring to an epoch in the geologic timescale.
Which is correct: Piocene or Pliocene
How to spell Pliocene?
Piocene
Incorrect Spelling
Pliocene
Correct Spelling
Difference Between Piocene and Pliocene
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Recall "Plio-" is a prefix in geology terms.
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Link "Pliocene" with "Miocene," the epoch before it, both having "i" before "ocene."
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Remember it with the visual of layered earth (plies of earth) to denote geologic epochs.
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Think of "Pli" in "Pliocene" resembling the word "Ply."
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Use mnemonic: "Please Learn It: Pliocene Epoch."
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Definitions
Pliocene
Pliocene is an epoch between the Miocene and Pleistocene, around 5.3 to 2.58 million years ago.
The world saw significant climatic changes during the Pliocene.
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Pliocene
Pliocene represents an age in the Neogene Period, characterized by cooler and drier climates.
Various species evolved and diversified in the Pliocene.
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Pliocene
Pliocene characterizes the geologic epoch after the Miocene and before the Pleistocene.
Fossils from the Pliocene epoch provide insights into past life.
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Pliocene
The Pliocene epoch has deposits with important fossils indicating prehistoric life and environments.
Researchers study Pliocene deposits to understand prehistoric flora and fauna.
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Pliocene
The Pliocene is significant for understanding the evolution of hominins and their migration.
The earliest human ancestors can be traced back to the Pliocene.
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Pliocene
The Pliocene ( PLY-ə-seen; also Pleiocene) is the epoch in the geologic time scale that extends from 5.333 million to 2.58 million years BP. It is the second and most recent epoch of the Neogene Period in the Cenozoic Era. The Pliocene follows the Miocene Epoch and is followed by the Pleistocene Epoch.
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Pliocene
Of, relating to, or being the epoch of geologic time from 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago, the most recent epoch of the Tertiary Period. It is characterized by the appearance of distinctly modern animals and by the expansion of grasslands. See Table at geologic time.
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Pliocene
Of, pertaining to, or characterizing, the most recent division of the Tertiary age.
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Pliocene
From 13 million to 2 million years ago; growth of mountains; cooling of climate; more and larger mammals
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FAQs
Why is it called Pliocene?
It's named "Pliocene" from the Greek words for "more recent" because it is more recent than the Miocene.
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Which vowel is used before Pliocene?
The vowel "e" is used before Pliocene in adjectives like "early Pliocene."
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What is the pronunciation of Pliocene?
Pliocene is pronounced as /ˈplaɪ.ə.siːn/.
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Which preposition is used with Pliocene?
Commonly "during" as in "during the Pliocene."
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What is the plural form of Pliocene?
Pliocenes (though rarely used in this form).
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What is the root word of Pliocene?
The root is derived from Greek "plio-" (more) and "ceno-" (new or recent).
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Is the Pliocene term a metaphor?
No, it refers to a specific geologic epoch.
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Which determiner is used with Pliocene?
Determiners such as "the," "this," or "that" can be used based on context.
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Which conjunction is used with Pliocene?
It can vary based on context, but "and" can be used, as in "Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs."
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Which article is used with Pliocene?
Both "the" and "a" can be used, depending on context.
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Is Pliocene a negative or positive word?
It is neutral; it refers to a specific epoch.
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Is Pliocene a vowel or consonant?
It's a word that begins with a consonant.
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What is another term for Pliocene?
It is uniquely termed. Closest would be "Pliocene epoch."
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What is the opposite of Pliocene?
There's no direct opposite, but in terms of geologic time, epochs before or after can be contrasted with it, e.g., Miocene or Pleistocene.
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Is Pliocene a noun or adjective?
Pliocene can be both a noun (referring to the epoch) and an adjective (describing something of or relating to that epoch).
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Is the word “Pliocene” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can function as a direct object, e.g., "She studied the Pliocene."
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What is the second form of Pliocene?
There isn't a second form as it's not a verb.
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What is the third form of Pliocene?
There isn't a third form as it's not a verb.
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How is Pliocene used in a sentence?
"The Pliocene epoch witnessed significant climatic changes on Earth."
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Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
