• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Nature World Today

Nature World Today

Nature's Best Site

  • Top Stories
  • Environment
  • Science
  • Climate
  • Animals
  • Biology
  • Energy
  • Physics
  • Health

Human Progress Has Led to the Collapse of the Largest Land Mammals

April 20, 2018 by Sarah Barber 53 Comments

At the end of the Cretaceous period 66 million years ago, mammals took over as the largest creatures on land. However, around 125,000 years ago during the late Pleistocene, these megafauna started disappearing, writes Ed Yong for The Atlantic. Today they are all gone, and according to a new study by Felisa Smith from the University of New Mexico, the blame lies with humans and our hominin relatives.

Smith and her colleagues examined how mammals have changed in size over time showing that when humans are around, the mammals that disappear are usually 100 to 1000 times bigger than those that survive. “Size-selective extinction is a hallmark of human activity,” Smith says. She believes that size-specific collapses started well before the ascent of Homo sapiens, probably dating back to the origins of Homo erectus, around 1.8 million years ago.

When hominins like Neanderthals, Denisovans, and modern humans spread through Europe and Asia, the average mass of mammals there halved, writes Yong. Later, when Homo sapiens entered Australia, the mammals there became ten times smaller on average. “When it got warmer or colder, it didn’t select for bigger or smaller mammals,” says Smith. “It’s only when humans got involved that being large enhanced your extinction risk.”

Editorial content

Modern humans have now become adept at killing medium-sized and smaller mammals. As Smith puts it, if all the species that are now threatened eventually go extinct, the largest mammal left on land will be the domestic cow.

Filed Under: Science

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Darknet Link Verzeichnis says

    June 16, 2021 at 12:21 am

    526077 676172Having read this I thought it was quite informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this write-up together. I once once again discover myself spending approach to a lot time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it! 696857

  2. EdwardHaf says

    June 18, 2021 at 8:53 am

    viagra 100mg price https://viagrabng.online/# viagra 100mg price

  3. have a peek at this website says

    June 26, 2021 at 5:50 am

    13182 983713 I discovered your blog web site on google and check some of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the really excellent operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading much more from you later on! 848338

  4. Windshield replacement live calls says

    July 24, 2021 at 10:57 am

    804055 351400I dont feel Ive scan anything like this before. So great to discover somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. thank for starting this up. This site is something that is necessary on the internet, someone with just a little originality. Excellent job for bringing something new to the internet! 579417

  5. Dakrnet Guide says

    September 15, 2021 at 10:18 am

    965644 395915This internet website is generally a walk-through its the data you wished concerning this and didnt know who ought to. Glimpse here, and youll surely discover it. 128204

  6. phone spy app free says

    October 24, 2021 at 1:57 pm

    173396 207660I ought to appear into this and it would be a difficult job to go over this completely here. 851590

  7. Dark0de says

    October 30, 2021 at 2:45 pm

    7402 907080So funcy to see the post within this blog. Thank you for posting it 786720

  8. nova88 says

    November 19, 2021 at 12:20 am

    106872 702761Wow, remarkable weblog structure! How long have you been running a blog for? you created running a blog look simple. The whole look of your website is magnificent, neatly as the content material! 157230

  9. ให้เช่าตู้ล่าม เช่าตู้แปลภาษา ให้บริการตู้ล่าม says

    December 7, 2021 at 12:53 pm

    753624 441074Now we know who the ssebnile 1 is here. Wonderful post! 428026

  10. elangqq bandar q online says

    December 10, 2021 at 12:55 pm

    17284 496408Should you tow a definite caravan nor van movie trailer your entire family pretty soon get exposed to the down sides towards preventing finest securely region. awnings 312835

  11. sekabet giris says

    December 11, 2021 at 10:10 am

    134575 341117I see something truly special in this internet website . 939988

  12. ให้เช่าหูฟังแปลภาษา เช่าหูฟังแปลภาษา เช่าหูฟังล่าม ให้บริการหูฟังแปลภาษา says

    December 12, 2021 at 10:03 am

    330480 267088As I web site owner I feel the topic material here is real amazing, appreciate it for your efforts. 462345

  13. relx says

    January 11, 2022 at 12:56 am

    344843 70996Well written articles like yours renews my faith in todays writers. Youve written data I can lastly agree on and use. Thank you for sharing. 922310

  14. dumps cvv shop says

    January 15, 2022 at 9:12 am

    823059 834536Utilizing writers exercises such as chunking. They use a lot of websites that contain several creative writing exercises. Writers read an exercise, and do it. 643141

  15. kardinal stick says

    January 18, 2022 at 1:04 am

    722887 561357Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to locate somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this web site is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing something new towards the internet! 239229

  16. relx says

    February 1, 2022 at 1:08 am

    595638 116812A thoughtful opinion and ideas Ill use on my web page. Youve clearly spent some time on this. Properly carried out! 541590

  17. cvv2 shoptrusted cvv shop says

    February 14, 2022 at 8:00 pm

    781919 725133I want going to comment as this posts a bit old now, but just wanted to say thanks. 451576

  18. new canaan emergency plumbers says

    February 14, 2022 at 10:52 pm

    618454 647054Wonderful blog, Im going to spend a lot more time reading about this subject 859945

  19. kardinal stick says

    March 2, 2022 at 12:11 am

    797804 350441Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? Theres lots of people that I think would actually enjoy your content material. Please let me know. Thanks 310267

  20. สล็อตวอเลท ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ says

    March 4, 2022 at 1:27 am

    743541 747837Very good day. Very cool weblog!! Man .. Outstanding .. Amazing .. Ill bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionallyI am glad to locate numerous useful info appropriate here within the post. Thank you for sharing.. 322823

  21. relx says

    March 4, 2022 at 3:49 am

    220176 748688Hello! I could have sworn Ive been to this website before but following browsing by way of some of the post I realized it is new to me. Nonetheless, Im surely pleased I discovered it and Ill be book-marking and checking back regularly! 179163

  22. relx says

    March 11, 2022 at 12:20 am

    863065 983244Aw, this was a quite good post. In thought I want to put in writing like this moreover ?taking time and actual effort to make a extremely very good article?however what can I say?I procrastinate alot and certainly not appear to get 1 thing done. 92215

  23. สล็อตวอเลท ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ says

    April 9, 2022 at 9:01 am

    856845 800697Some really quality posts on this website , saved to favorites . 265

  24. pgslot99th says

    May 1, 2022 at 1:35 am

    750523 803240Hey there. I want to to inquire somethingis this a wordpress weblog as we are thinking about shifting over to WP. Also did you make this theme on your personal? Thanks. 742345

  25. สล็อต วอ เลท says

    June 20, 2022 at 1:01 am

    516320 922588This web page is often a walk-through for all of the details it suited you with this and didnt know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you will certainly discover it. 861052

  26. rajacuan says

    June 20, 2022 at 6:46 pm

    564169 574340Some genuinely intriguing details, effectively written and usually user genial . 605518

  27. Online Medications Store says

    June 24, 2022 at 7:20 pm

    56369 51109There is an ending. Just remember that I meant for this to be an art game. I do feel like I spent an inordinate amount of time on the more traditional gameplay elements, which may possibly make the meaning of the game a bit unclear. In case you mess about with it though, you will find it. 564320

  28. ขายเฟสบุ๊คยิงแอด says

    July 2, 2022 at 11:41 pm

    54801 568523Its essential to have having access towards the knowledge posted here 514709

  29. 라이브카지노사이트 says

    July 10, 2022 at 7:12 am

    844002 484293Come across back yard garden unusual periods of ones Are normally Weight reduction and every one one may be important. One way state could possibly be substantial squandering by way of the diet. shed weight 753148

  30. sbobet says

    July 17, 2022 at 3:02 pm

    197667 92359Hello! I just now would pick to supply a enormous thumbs up with the great information you can have here within this post. I will be coming back to your weblog internet site for additional soon. 169063

  31. สล็อตวอเลท ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ says

    July 23, 2022 at 11:16 pm

    125269 242190I like this web site extremely a lot, Its a rattling nice location to read and get information . 744070

  32. iptv testline says

    July 26, 2022 at 12:00 pm

    285929 779403This is 1 extremely interesting post. I like the way you write and I will bookmark your blog to my favorites. 553087

  33. สล็อตวอเลท ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ says

    July 30, 2022 at 11:28 pm

    430934 504451Exceptional post even so , I was wanting to know should you could write a litte far more on this topic? Id be very thankful in the event you could elaborate a bit bit a lot more. Thanks! 857146

  34. smithwesson guns says

    August 12, 2022 at 11:55 pm

    278600 369687amazing post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You need to continue your writing. Im positive, youve a great readers base already! 261832

  35. www.free-porn-games-no-email.com/ar/ says

    August 18, 2022 at 6:08 pm

    510780 474176You completed a number of nice points there. I did a search on the concern and identified nearly all folks will have the same opinion with your weblog. 163649

  36. sbo says

    August 23, 2022 at 10:12 pm

    853689 469964Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and in depth info you offer. It is excellent to come across a weblog every once in a even though that isnt exactly the same old rehashed material. Amazing read! Ive bookmarked your website and Im adding your RSS feeds to my Google account. 774851

  37. สล็อตวอเลท ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ says

    August 25, 2022 at 12:37 am

    478959 447440wohh precisely what I was searching for, thankyou for putting up. 355883

  38. Darknet says

    August 31, 2022 at 2:56 pm

    732482 329796bless you with regard to the specific weblog post ive genuinely been seeking with regard to this kind of advice on the net for sum time these days hence with thanks 356663

  39. maxbet says

    September 9, 2022 at 12:34 pm

    434244 807093I genuinely enjoy looking at on this website , it has wonderful content . 905447

  40. Firearms for sale online says

    September 21, 2022 at 11:11 pm

    521478 758095Quite excellent data can be identified on weblog . 571550

  41. winbet 娛樂城 says

    October 13, 2022 at 11:44 pm

    13816 901260When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new surveys are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I purchase four emails sticking with exactly the same comment. Perhaps there is by any means you might get rid of me from that service? Thanks! 784342

  42. 홀덤 says

    October 29, 2022 at 4:56 pm

    637948 420083I like this internet weblog quite significantly so considerably superb info . 152246

  43. maxbet says

    November 3, 2022 at 4:17 am

    692894 165815Oh my goodness! a wonderful post dude. Thanks Nevertheless My business is experiencing concern with ur rss . Dont know why Not able to sign up for it. Possibly there is any person obtaining identical rss difficulty? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx 206983

  44. baccaratsite says

    November 19, 2022 at 8:11 am

    It’s the same topic , but I was quite surprised to see the opinions I didn’t think of. My blog also has articles on these topics, so I look forward to your visit. baccaratsite

  45. condominios todos santos says

    December 7, 2022 at 11:10 pm

    212623 171659Hi, you used to write exceptional articles, but the last several posts have been kinda boring I miss your tremendous posts. Past couple of posts are just a bit out of track! 5395

  46. Sig Sauer M400 says

    December 8, 2022 at 11:43 pm

    835136 274066I gotta favorite this internet site it seems invaluable really valuable 137047

  47. buy cheap instagram followers says

    December 14, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    933388 538217Some really nice stuff on this web internet site , I like it. 114459

  48. cabo real estate says

    December 16, 2022 at 7:45 pm

    634597 210706i was just surfing along and came upon your blog. just wanted to say excellent job and this post really helped me. 334097

  49. baccaratsite says

    December 17, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Hello ! I am the one who writes posts on these topics baccaratsite I would like to write an article based on your article. When can I ask for a review?

  50. onion proxy says

    December 18, 2022 at 8:43 pm

    857834 43626I believe this internet internet site contains quite superb composed articles posts . 987992

  51. gate io says

    December 29, 2022 at 3:25 am

    Invite friends and earn rewards Share a 40% reward and trading fee discount with friends
    gate io

  52. baccaratsite says

    January 4, 2023 at 4:13 am

    When I read an article on this topic, baccaratsite the first thought was profound and difficult, and I wondered if others could understand.. My site has a discussion board for articles and photos similar to this topic. Could you please visit me when you have time to discuss this topic?

  53. local pegging websites says

    January 27, 2023 at 2:41 am

    This info is worth everyone’s attention. Where can I find out more?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Primary Sidebar

More to See

All About Nitrogen Cycle and It’s Impact on Planet Life

January 19, 2023 By Jesse Olson

Most Popular Wild Animals

January 17, 2023 By Elizabeth Grillo

What Does Climate Change Mean

January 15, 2023 By Dave Brooks

The Science Behind Precipitation

January 12, 2023 By Jesse Olson

How to Live More Eco-Friendly

January 10, 2023 By Dave Brooks

Most Popular Stories About Nature

January 8, 2023 By Elizabeth Grillo

Footer

About Us

Founded in 2018, At Nature World Today our goal is to enrich and brighten up your day with interesting stories, amusing photos, and viral topics. If you’re looking to take a break from everyday routine, you’ve reached the right place!

Send tips to [email protected]. Comments and feedback can be sent to [email protected].

  • Terms of Service
  • natureworldtoday.com Privacy Notice
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact Us

Search

Copyright © 2023 · natureworldtoday.com