The Last Glacial Period, also known as the Last Ice Age, occurred from about 115,000 to 11,700 years ago. During this time, large parts of the Earth were covered by ice sheets, particularly in regions like North America and Europe. The climate was much colder than today, leading to significant changes in ecosystems and wildlife. As the ice began to melt, it marked the transition to the current geological epoch, the Holocene. This warming period allowed for the development of modern habitats and the rise of human civilizations. The melting ice also contributed to rising sea levels, reshaping coastlines around the world.