인류의 이동. Human Migration and the Extinction of Large Mammals

Human Migration and the Extinction of Large Mammals

 

Throughout prehistory, as humans migrated across continents, they encountered — and often transformed — ecosystems. One of the most profound consequences of this expansion was the extinction of megafauna, the large mammals that once roamed Earth in abundance. 🦣🦏🦬

🔹 Africa retained many large mammals because species there evolved alongside humans and developed survival strategies.

🔹 Eurasia saw significant declines, especially after the spread of Homo sapiens.

🔹 Australia lost giants like the diprotodon and giant kangaroos soon after human arrival (~50,000 years ago).

🔹 The Americas witnessed the disappearance of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant sloths within a few thousand years of settlement.

🔹 Islands such as Madagascar and New Zealand saw even faster extinctions due to isolated ecosystems.

While climate change played a role, evidence suggests that human hunting, habitat alteration, and fire use accelerated these extinctions. The story of megafauna is a reminder of humanity’s deep and lasting impact on Earth’s biodiversity.