In geologic time, the Pleistocene Epoch represents the first epoch in current Quaternary Period (also termed the Anthropogene Period) of the Cenozoic Era of the Phanerozoic Eon. The Pleistocene Epoch spans the time between roughly 2.6 million years ago (mya) and onset of the current Holocene Epoch 10,000 to 11,000 years ago.

The Quaternary Period contains two geologic epochs. The earliest epoch, the Pleistocene Epoch is further subdivided into (from earliest to most recent) Gelasian and Calabrian stages. The Calabrian stage is also frequently replaced by a series of geologic stages, from earliest to most recent, including the Danau, Donau-Günz, Günzian, Günz-Mindel, Mindelian, Mindel-Riss, Rissian, Riss-Würm, and Würmian stages.

During the Pleistocene Epoch, Earth's continents almost completely assumed their modern configuration.

Glaciation cycles dominated the major climatic changes of the Pleistocene Epoch. There were at least four distinct glacial advances and recessions. In addition...