A brief revision of selected studies on the Quaternary continental vertebrates of Uruguay is provided. The diversity of the dominant group in the record-mammals-was notably increased as well as in some avian groups. The temporal framework takes into account the chronostratigraphic proposal available for the Pampean region as a biostratigraphic correlation tool and an increasing number of numerical ages (radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence). The sedimentary beds outcropping in northern Uruguay (the sopas Formation) yield a rich and diverse fossil content. They are correlated to the Lujanian stage/Age and the numerical ages of many outcrops fall in the range of the Marine Isotopic stage 3 (MIs 3). The vertebrates support diverse environments including freshwater bodies, riparian forests, semi-open forests, open areas, and semiarid to arid local environments. In southern Uruguay, the Dolores Formation is correlated to the Lujanian and the numerical ages are mostly related to the last glacial maximum and Early Holocene. Aridity and semiaridity conditions facilitated by cold temperatures in the Last Glacial Maximum explain the record of some mammals living today in arid contexts or higher latitudes of south America. In coastal ravines of the Rio de la Plata (southwestern Uruguay) outcrops the Raigon Formation, usually considered a Pliocene unit. However, according to some mammals recorded and optically stimulated luminescence ages obtained from terminal facies, a Lower to Medium Pleistocene age should not be discharged for part of the unit. The Pleistocene mammals suggest open and semiopen environments based on dental adaptations and isotopic studies.