Pleistocene Overkill Theory

The Pleistocene Overkill Theory suggests that the extinction of large mammals, like woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats, around 13,000 years ago was largely caused by early human hunters. As humans migrated to various continents, their hunting practices may have outpaced the reproductive rates of these large animals. The theory posits that human activity, along with possibly changing climates, created unsustainable pressures on these species, leading to their rapid decline and eventual extinction. This highlights the impact of human behaviors on ecosystems and the balance of wildlife.