Mega Fauna

Mega fauna refers to large or giant animals that existed during the prehistoric times and became extinct at the end of the last ice age. These animals were much larger than their contemporary relatives. The term "mega fauna" is derived from the Greek words "mega" meaning large and "fauna" meaning animal.

Characteristics of Mega Fauna

1. Large Size: Mega fauna species were significantly larger than their modern counterparts.

2. Extinction: Most mega fauna species became extinct at the end of the Pleistocene epoch, around 10,000 years ago.

3. Diverse Species: Mega fauna consisted of a wide variety of animals including mammoths, mastodons, giant sloths, saber-toothed cats, and more.

Causes of Extinction

The extinction of mega fauna is a topic of ongoing scientific debate. Some of the proposed causes include overhunting by early human populations, climate change, and the impact of a large asteroid or comet.

Study Guide

1. What does the term "mega fauna" refer to?
2. What are the characteristics of mega fauna?
3. When did most mega fauna species become extinct?
4. What are some proposed causes of the extinction of mega fauna?