The Lentocene
A lazy epoch

The Lentocene is the next epoch after the Holocene. It starts around 2 million years After-Present (AP) and it ends 54 million years AP. This incredibly long epoch is characterized by a geologically slow change of global climate, with a general tendency of warming.

Antarctica will face remarkable changes in this long period, with abundant and diversified fauna. Due to its geographic isolation, Antarctica is completely cut out from the other continents, with the only possible corridor being the Scotia Arc, an island arc system that connects South America and the Antarctic Peninsula that includes for example South Georgia islands and the South Sandwich Islands. This arc works as a strong filter since most of the islands are just barren rocks smaller than one hectare (2,5 acres). This makes it virtually impossible for a land animal to reach Antarctica, but not for certain marine and flying species.
Fish and birds are the main vertebrate groups of the icy continent, but other amazing species will be able to make their way, somehow. Who'll be the most successful species of the Lentocene? But most importantly, who'll survive at end of this epoch?