c.

c. 23.03 – 5.33 Million Years Ago (Miocene): Significant geological events known as Andean folding and faulting occurred during this epoch, ultimately shaping the northern coast of Trinidad. Both Tobago and Barbados are constructed upon these same Andean geological structures, despite being located further from the South American mainland. Due to their isolation, these islands developed a more insular flora and fauna and are geographically classified as part of the Lesser Antilles. Unlike Trinidad, these islands did not maintain the same level of continental biological diversity during the Pleistocene. These geological foundations remain essential for understanding the prehistoric environmental constraints faced by the first islanders.