Turolian

The Turolian age is a European terrestrial stage of the Late Miocene epoch, spanning approximately from 11.63 to 5.333 million years ago (Ma). It follows the Vallesian stage and precedes the Ruscinian stage. The Turolian is roughly equivalent to the Messinian age of the Mediterranean region, a period characterized by the Messinian salinity crisis.

The term "Turolian" is primarily used in paleontology and geology to define a specific biochronological interval based on the evolution and distribution of mammal fossil assemblages, particularly within the Iberian Peninsula and surrounding areas. It represents a significant period in the evolution of many modern mammal groups. The name is derived from the Teruel Province in Spain, where important fossiliferous deposits of this age are found.

Key characteristics of the Turolian include:

• Faunal Turnover: The Turolian marks a period of significant faunal turnover and evolutionary change, with the appearance of new mammal species and the extinction of others. This is reflected in the fossil record, which contains a diverse array of mammal fossils, including primates, carnivores, proboscideans (ancestors of elephants), and various ungulates.

• Climate: The climate during the Turolian was generally cooler and drier than the preceding Vallesian, leading to changes in vegetation and habitats. This climate shift likely played a role in the observed faunal changes.

• Stratigraphy: The Turolian stage is defined based on the correlation of fossiliferous continental deposits across Europe. While a Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) has not been formally defined for the base of the Turolian, its boundaries are generally recognized based on biostratigraphic markers.

The Turolian is important for understanding the evolutionary history of mammals in Eurasia during the Late Miocene and for correlating terrestrial and marine geological events. It offers valuable insights into the interplay between climate change, faunal evolution, and biogeography during this crucial period in Earth's history.