Why did the miocene end?

The Miocene epoch ended around 5.3 million years ago, primarily due to significant climatic changes that led to the onset of the Pliocene epoch. These changes included a global cooling trend and the formation of polar ice caps, which altered ocean currents and affected global ecosystems. Additionally, tectonic shifts, such as the uplift of the Himalayas and the narrowing of the Isthmus of Panama, contributed to changes in sea levels and climate patterns. This period marked a transition in flora and fauna, paving the way for the modern biota we see today.