Pleistocene Extinction

The Pleistocene Extinction refers to a significant event around 11,700 years ago when many large animals, known as megafauna, disappeared from Earth. This extinction affected species like mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant ground sloths. Scientists believe this happened due to a combination of factors, including climate change from the last Ice Age and hunting pressure from early humans. As habitats changed and large animals struggled to adapt or find food, their populations dwindled, leading to their eventual extinction. This event reshaped ecosystems and had lasting impacts on the environment and biodiversity we see today.