Megafauna

Definition

Megafauna are large animals, typically those over 44 kg (97 lbs) in weight. They play critical roles in ecosystems but are often vulnerable to extinction due to their size and ecological requirements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Megafauna include species such as elephants, whales, and large herbivores like bison.
2. Many megafauna went extinct at the end of the Pleistocene epoch, likely due to a combination of human activity and climate change.
3. The presence of megafauna can significantly influence vegetation patterns and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
4. Conservation efforts for megafauna often focus on habitat preservation and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
5. Megafauna serve as keystone species, meaning their presence or absence has a disproportionately large effect on the environment.

Review Questions

• What are some examples of megafauna?
• How did human activity contribute to the extinction of many Pleistocene megafauna?
• Why are megafauna considered keystone species?

Related terms

Keystone Species:

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

Extinction:

The state or process of a species ceasing to exist.

Habitat Preservation: The protection and maintenance of habitats to support biodiversity and ecosystem health.