W4: L16 = Palaeozoology [Over-Hunting Hypothesis] (Prof. Shaw)

Question 1

The Over-Hunting hypothesis?

Answer 1

= states that the chronology of the extinction (first in Africa, second in America, finally in Madagascar) & the intensity of the extinction (moderate in Africa, heavier in America & extremely heavy in Madagascar) is clearly related to the spread of human beings, their cultural development & the vulnerabilities of the faunas they encountered.

Question 2

The Over-Hunting hypothesis attributes? (3)

Answer 2

• Explains the megafaunal extinctions.
• Said to have been caused by humans.
• Proposed by Paul Martin.

Question 3

How did Paul Martin end up concluding that megafaunal extinction was caused by human beings?

Answer 3

By comparing the presence of megafauna before & after the arrival of humans in all continents & observing more megafaunal extinction after humans arrived (Quaternary extinction).

Question 4

Evidences for the Over-Hunting hypothesis? (3)

Answer 4

• Temporal correlation.
• Archaeological evidence.
• Population dynamics.

Question 5

Temporal correlation?

Answer 5

= there was a correlation between the arrival of humans in new regions & the subsequent rapid extinction of megafauna.

Question 6

Archaeological evidence?

Answer 6

= archaeological sites provided evidence of human hunting activities, including kill sites, bones & tools.

Question 7

Population dynamics?

Answer 7

= as human populations grew & expanded, their need for food resources increased exponentially (i.e., large, slow-producing megafauna were vulnerable to over-hunting).

Question 8

Arguments for the Over-Hunting hypothesis? (2)

Answer 8

• Direct evidence.

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Question 9

Direct evidence?

Answer 9

= tools, weapons in association with megafauna remains found at numerous archaeological sites.

Question 10

Global patterns of extinctions?

Answer 10

= global pattern of megafaunal extinction, where the disappearance of these large animals often follows the spread of human populations.

Question 11

Other factors brought up in this continuous debate? (4)

Answer 11

• Climate change.
• Inconsistent evidence.
• Disease & habitat fragmentation.
• Ecological dynamics.

Question 12

Climate change?

Answer 12

= climatic changes played a role in extinctions of megafauna, either independently or in conjunction with human activities.

Question 13

Inconsistent evidence?

Answer 13

= in certain regions, there is lack of clear evidence.

Question 14

Disease & habitat fragmentation?

Answer 14

= disease & fragmentation of habitats would have made large animals vulnerable to pressures of human hunting & environmental change.

Question 15

Ecological dynamics?

Answer 15

= human activities, climate & ecological relationships likely all played a role in the demise of the megafauna.

Question 16

Implications for modern conservation? (6)

Answer 16

• Need to protect large herbivores & carnivores from overhunting & poaching.
• Some species are particularly vulnerable to human exploitation.
• Promote sustainable hunting regulations & quotas.
• Development of community-based wildlife management to ensure local populations benefit from conservation efforts.
• Preserving & restoring habitats to support viable populations of large animals.
• Maintenance of wildlife corridors to facilitate animal movement & genetic diversity.