Document 6: Academic Article

Title: The Role of Pleistocene Megafauna in Ancient Ecosystems

Date: July 16, 2024

Article Excerpt:
Pleistocene megafauna, including mammoths, mastodons, and saber-toothed cats, played a
crucial role in ancient ecosystems by influencing vegetation patterns and predator-prey
dynamics. Their extinction at the end of the Pleistocene epoch, possibly due to climate change
and human hunting, led to significant shifts in ecosystem structure and composition. This article
examines the ecological impact of these extinct species and their role in shaping contemporary
biodiversity.