"Waves of Extinction" – Prehistoric Poo Tells the Story of Megafauna Extinction in Colombian Andes

SciTechDaily ^ | May 2, 2023 | University Of Exeter

[SunkenCiv]

Coprophilous fungi spores, which are integral to the life cycle of large animals weighing over 45 kg, pass through the digestive systems of these creatures. Consequently, the presence of such spores in sediment samples indicates that these sizable animals once inhabited specific locations and time periods.

Researchers led by the University of Exeter determined that the local extinction of large animals at Pantano de Monquentiva occurred approximately 23,000 years ago and again around 11,000 years ago, significantly affecting ecosystems. The study relied on samples taken from a peat bog in Pantano de Monquentiva, situated about 60 km from Bogota in the eastern cordillera. Notably, this research was the first of its kind to be carried out in Colombia...

...said Dr Dunia H. Urrego, of Exeter's Global Systems Institute. "By analyzing samples of fungal spores, as well as pollen and charcoal, we were able to track the extinction of large animals, and... found the Monquentiva ecosystem changed dramatically when large animals disappeared, with different plant species thriving and wildfires increasing."

Analysis of the fungal spores does not show which large animals were present, but species known to roam Colombia in this period include the giant armadillo and the six-meter-tall giant ground sloth.

The findings show that plentiful megafauna existed in the area for thousands of years, then disappeared entirely about 23,000 years ago.

About 5,000 years later, megafauna began to live in the area again – likely at lower numbers – before another wave of extinction about 11,000 years ago reduced them almost to zero.

The cause of these local extinctions is unknown, but climate changes and hunting by humans are two possibilities. Researchers have even suggested that a meteorite strike was the cause.

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Zappa Crappa?......................