How did the climate of the Fayum Depression during the Oligocene contribute to species diversity?

The climate of the Fayum Depression during the Oligocene played a significant role in fostering species diversity because it was characterized by warm and wet conditions. This environment allowed for the growth of lush vegetation and the establishment of diverse habitats, which in turn supported a wide array of flora and fauna. The combination of warmth and moisture created ideal conditions for the proliferation of various animal species, particularly those that thrived in tropical and subtropical settings, such as early primates and other mammals.

These favorable climatic conditions helped to generate a rich ecosystem with a complex food web, promoting adaptive radiation among species. The variability in habitats available would have encouraged evolutionary processes, leading to increased speciation as organisms adapted to various ecological niches. The Fayum Depression is known for its important fossil record, which reflects this diversity during the Oligocene, highlighting the impact of its warm and wet climate on the development of different species.