Recent Extinction Events and Australian Megafauna

Extinction

Death of all members of a species.

Vulnerable Species

Likely to become endangered soon.

Endangered Species

In danger of extinction if threats continue.

Extinction Events

Major occurrences where multiple species go extinct.

Mass Extinction

Widespread and rapid decrease in biodiversity.

Australian Megafauna

Giant animals from Australia during the Pleistocene.

Pleistocene Epoch

Period from 1.6 million to 10,000 years ago.

Climate Change Theory

Climate shifts led to habitat loss for megafauna.

Human Arrival Theory

Humans hunted larger animals, leading to extinction.

Nutrient Depletion Theory

Low soil nutrients favored smaller animal survival.

Biotic Factors

Living components affecting species survival.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components affecting ecosystems.

Mass Extinctions Count

Five mass extinctions recorded in Earth's history.

Current Extinction Crisis

Possibly the sixth mass extinction due to humans.

Eucalypt Forests

Forests less efficient at retaining water.

Madjedbebe Site

Evidence of human hunting of megafauna.

Dwindling Resources

Limited food and water leading to species decline.

Survival of the Fittest

Species evolve based on environmental adaptability.

Ice Age

Period of extensive glaciation affecting ecosystems.

Catastrophic Events

Sudden occurrences causing mass species extinction.

Evolution of Species

Changes in species over time due to environmental pressures.