How long did ice ages typically last? * Only a few decades Thousands of years Millions of years Only a few months

Ice ages typically lasted thousands of years, with some glacial periods extending over 100,000 years! These extended cold spells alternated with warmer interglacial periods, creating a fluctuating climate pattern that significantly shaped Earth's environments and biodiversity. The most recent glacial period, known as the Last Glacial Maximum, peaked around 20,000 years ago. Ice sheets covered large parts of North America and Europe, fundamentally altering landscapes and influencing human migration patterns as our ancestors adapted to the icy conditions. Fun fact: the Great Lakes in North America were formed by glacial movements during these frigid times!