The extinction of the Megafauna at the end the Pleistocene epoch.

  We discussed the extinction of the megafauna at the end the Pleistocene epoch. Your assignment is to write a short essay (700 – 1000 words) that summarizes the required readings What were the megafauna? When did they likely go extinct? Give some examples megafauna that did and did not go extinct. What were the potential causes of this extinction event? In answering this question, briefly summarize the three main hypotheses – (1) overkill, (2) climate change, and (3) the Younger Dryas Impact hypothesis. For each hypothesis, include a critical discussion of specific evidence that supports and challenges each hypothesis. As discussed in lecture, each of these hypotheses has weaknesses. What new evidence or research might strengthen or falsify each of them? Provide a critical synthesis of what you think is the most likely cause, or mixture of causes, given current evidence.