8 Extinct Wonders of the Animal Kingdom

Woolly Mammoth: The woolly mammoth was a large prehistoric elephant that lived during the Ice Age. It is known for its thick fur and long tusks. The species went extinct approximately 4,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of climate change and human hunting.

Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacine): The thylacine was a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania, Australia, and New Guinea. It became extinct in the 20th century, primarily due to excessive hunting, habitat loss, and disease.

Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus): Despite its name, the Irish Elk was not exclusive to Ireland and wasn't technically an elk. Known for its enormous antlers that could span up to 12 feet, it is one of the largest deer to have ever lived. It became extinct approximately 7,700 years ago due to environmental changes.

Saber-Toothed Tiger: Also known as Smilodon, the saber-toothed tiger was a large predator known for its long, curved canine teeth. It lived in the Americas during the Pleistocene epoch and went extinct about 10,000 years ago, possibly due to changes in climate and prey populations.

Passenger Pigeon: Once one of the most abundant birds in North America, the passenger pigeon was hunted to extinction in the early 20th century. The last known individual died in captivity in 1914.

Dodo Bird: The dodo was a flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius. It became extinct in the late 17th century due to overhunting and the introduction of invasive species by European sailors.

Glyptodon: Glyptodon was a prehistoric armadillo the size of a car, with a shell made of bony plates. It also had a protective head shield and could swing its tail as a defensive weapon. Native to South America, it went extinct at the end of the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago.

Steller's Sea Cow (Hydrodamalis gigas): This massive marine mammal, related to the manatee and dugong, grew up to 30 feet long and weighed up to 10 tons. It had a small head, no dorsal fin, and flippers that resembled paddles. Discovered in the 18th century, it was quickly hunted to extinction within 27 years of its discovery.

Reklamlar

8 Extinct Wonders of the Animal Kingdom

Bunları da İzleyebilirsiniz