Earliest case of man-made extinction occurred over 9,000 years ago

General
1

earliest case of man-made extinction occurred over 9,000 years ago

2

What was the earliest case of man-made extinction that occurred over 9,000 years ago?

Answer:

The notion that human activities have contributed to the extinction of certain species is well-documented, not only in contemporary times but also throughout history. Understanding the earliest recorded instance of man-made extinction helps provide insight into humanity’s long-term environmental impact.

Step 1: Historical Context and Evidence

  • Identifying Extinct Species: One of the earliest recognized instances of human-driven extinction involves the megafauna – large animals that lived during the late Pleistocene epoch.
  • Locations and Timeframes:
    • Australia: Around 50,000 years ago, multiple large species vanished, including the giant wombat-like Diprotodon. Archaeological evidence suggests that human arrival on the continent coincides with this extinction wave.
    • North America: Approximately 11,000 years ago, species such as the woolly mammoth and saber-tooth cat disappeared. This aligns with the arrival of humans across the Bering Strait into North America.

Step 2: Factors Leading to Extinction

  • Human Hunting Practices:

    • Early humans often relied on hunting large animals for sustenance. Evidence suggests that many species could not withstand this pressure, leading to their decline and eventual extinction.
    • Evidence of Hunting: Fossil records display cut marks on bones and human-made tools alongside extinct species, indicating hunting activities.

  • Environmental Changes:

    • While human activity played a significant role, changing climates also contributed to these extinctions by altering habitats and food sources.

Step 3: Analyzing the Australian Extinction Event

  • Case Study: Australia (50,000 years ago):
    • Species Affected: Megafauna, including giant kangaroos, bird species like Genyornis, and marsupial lions.
    • Climatic Influence: As humans migrated into Australia, a substantial climatic shift was underway. However, human hunting activity is considered a major factor in this extinction, primarily through evidence of widespread fires set for hunting purposes, altering the landscape.

Final Answer:

The earliest case of man-made extinction is linked to the disappearance of megafauna in Australia, around 50,000 years ago. Although 9,000 years ago, megafauna extinctions in North America were significant, more profound extinctions occurred earlier, with human activity considered a primary driver. These events illustrate early human environmental impact, combining habitat alteration with hunting, leading to irreversible ecological changes.