We believe this configuration is most plausible for the early Pliocene.

The species diverged during the early Pliocene (about 5 million years ago).

It is identifiable in fossil records at least since the early Pliocene.

The ancestors of all current species had diverged by the early Pliocene, around 4 million years ago.

These genera persisted until their extinction during the early Pliocene.

Taken together, the fossils paint an image of a place that was far different back in the Early Pliocene.

He might be able to give it a specific slot on the marine mammal family tree, which during the early Pliocene was very complicated.

This hypothetical division has been dated back to the Early Pliocene.

"Bears were very rare during the early Pliocene," Claude said.

It is known from the early Pliocene of New Zealand.