Answer:
Around 6 million years ago, the ecology of the African tropics underwent a significant change due to shifts in climatic conditions and tectonic activity. At that time, the African continent began to experience a gradual cooling and drying trend, which led to the expansion of savanna grasslands and a decline in forested areas. This shift in climate likely had a significant impact on the evolution of primates, as many species were forced to adapt to the changing landscape and find new food sources.
In addition to the cooling and drying trend, tectonic activity also played a role in shaping the ecology of the African tropics around 6 million years ago. The East African Rift system, which extends from Ethiopia to Mozambique, began to form during this time, creating new mountain ranges and volcanic activity. This geological activity likely influenced the distribution of plant and animal species in the region and led to the evolution of new species with unique adaptations to their local environments.
Overall, the ecology of the African tropics around 6 million years ago was shaped by a complex interplay of climatic and geological factors, which led to the expansion of savanna grasslands, the decline of forests, and the evolution of new species adapted to these changing conditions.
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