The Pleistocene Epoch is a term used to describe a geological period that occurred between 2.588 million and 11,700 years ago. It is often referred to as the Ice Age because of the glacial conditions that were present during this time. There are many synonyms for the Pleistocene Epoch, including the Quaternary Period, the Plio-Pleistocene, and the Pleistocene Series. These terms are used interchangeably in scientific literature to describe the same geological period. Scientists study the Pleistocene Epoch to gain insight into the evolution of life on Earth, the movements of the continents, and the climate patterns that shaped the planet in the past.