The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) occurred around 26,500 years ago, during the last Ice Age. It was a period when ice sheets were at their greatest extent, covering large parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. The climate was much colder and drier than today, leading to significant changes in ecosystems and habitats. During the LGM, sea levels were much lower due to the vast amounts of water trapped in ice. This created land bridges, such as the one between Siberia and Alaska, allowing species, including early humans, to migrate between continents. The LGM significantly influenced the distribution of flora and fauna.