Intercontinental Serial Killers

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering major concepts from the notes about human cognitive development, dispersal, and the ecological impact on Australia.

Cognitive revolution

A turning point that enabled Homo sapiens to think, organize, and expand beyond Afro-Asia, leading to global exploration and colonization.

Sapiens

Homo sapiens; the human species discussed in the lecture, whose actions transformed ecosystems after spreading from Africa/Asia into new lands.

Flores

An Indonesian island that was colonized around 850,000 years ago, illustrating early human dispersal in the region.

Indonesian archipelago (Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Flores)

A chain of islands where early humans developed seafaring and long-distance connections after the cognitive revolution.

Australia colonization by Sapiens

The arrival of Homo sapiens in Australia about 50,000 years ago, followed by rapid ecological transformation.

New Ireland and New Britain sea trade

Evidence of regular maritime trade between these islands after humans developed seafaring capabilities.

Biological exuberance

A phrase used to describe the rapid expansion and ecological impact of Homo sapiens when expanding into new ecosystems.

Ecological serial killers

A portrayal of humans as causing extensive ecological damage and mass species losses across ecosystems.

Megafauna extinctions in Australia

Massive declines or disappearances of large-bodied animals in Australia after human arrival, altering food webs.

Marsupials

Mammals that give birth to underdeveloped young and raise them in a pouch.

Diprotodon

A giant Australian marsupial (about 2.5 tons) mentioned as part of the megafauna era.

Giant kangaroo

A 6-foot-5, 440-pound kangaroo noted as part of Australia’s extinct megafauna.