Overview
Save Big on Coursera Plus. 7,000+ courses at $160 off. Limited Time Only!
Explore the fascinating world of Pleistocene megafauna and their extinction in this 24-minute educational video. Delve into the evolution and demise of iconic creatures like woolly mammoths, saber-toothed cats, giant ground sloths, and giant armadillos. Examine various hypotheses explaining their disappearance, from asteroid impacts to human hunting. Learn about the Pleistocene Ice Age, the Younger Dryas cooling event, and their effects on these ancient animals. Discover notable megafauna species, their characteristics, and their roles in prehistoric ecosystems. Investigate the potential causes of megafauna extinctions and the factors contributing to the Younger Dryas cooling period. Gain a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal moment in Earth's history and its impact on biodiversity.
Syllabus
What were the megafauna?
The Pleistocene Ice Age
The Younger Dryas Cooling
Megafauna Extinctions
Notable Megafauna
Mammoths & Mastodons
Saber Toothed Cats
Giant Ground Sloths
Giant Armadillos
Giant Short Faced Bears
Woolly Rhinos
Dire Wolves
What caused megafauna extinctions?
What caused the Younger Dryas Cooling?
Fun Dino game!
Taught by
GEO GIRL