The Ice Age refers to a period in Earth's history when large parts of the planet were covered by ice sheets and glaciers. This time, known as the Pleistocene Epoch, began around 2.6 million years ago and lasted until about 11,700 years ago. During this period, temperatures were much colder than today, leading to the formation of vast ice sheets in regions like North America and Europe. Many species adapted to the cold climate, including the woolly mammoth and the saber-toothed cat. As the Ice Age ended, the climate warmed, causing the ice to melt and leading to significant changes in ecosystems. This transition allowed for the rise of modern flora and fauna, as well as the development of human civilizations.