Age in the early Miocene
The Burdigalian is, in the geologic timescale, an age or stage in the early Miocene. It spans the time between 20.43 ± 0.05 Ma and 15.97 ± 0.05 Ma (million years ago). Preceded by the Aquitanian, the Burdigalian was the first and longest warming period of the Miocene and is succeeded by the Langhian.
Stratigraphic definition.
The name Burdigalian comes from "Burdigala", the Latin name for the city of Bordeaux, France. The Burdigalian Stage was introduced in scientific literature by Charles Depéret in 1892.
The base of the Burdigalian is at the first appearance of foram species "Globigerinoides altiaperturus" and the top of magnetic chronozone C6An. As of 2016[ [update]], an official GSSP for the Burdigalian had not yet been assigned.
The top of the Burdigalian (the base of the Langhian) is defined by the first appearance of foram species "Praeorbulina glomerosa" and is also coeval with the top of magnetic chronozone C5Cn.1n.
Paleontology.
Famous Burdigalian palaeontologic localities include the Turritellenplatte of Ermingen in Germany and the Dominican amber deposits of Hispaniola.
Possible human evolutionary ancestors such as "Victoriapithecus" evolved during this time interval.
References.
Footnotes.
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