World History
Humans not responsible for mammoth extinction. This is an interesting story from CNN dealing with the pre-history of humanity. One scientist has determined that prehistoric humans were not responsible for the extinction of mammoths.
"That is what this new data points out," said Dr Dale Guthrie of the University of Alaska in Fairbanks.
What killed the mammoths? It was global warming. The climate of the Earth has shifted repeatedly throughout time growing warmer and colder for large (and sometimes) small periods of time. This plays havoc with some ecosystems and sometimes species go extinct without the help of humans.
The article notes, "Climate shifts were probably responsible for the extinction of the mammoth and other species more than 10,000 years ago, not over-hunting by humans, according to new research published on Wednesday. Radiocarbon dating of 600 bones of bison, moose and humans that survived the mass extinction and remains of the mammoth and wild horse which did not, suggests humans were not responsible."
Pre-historic global warming proved deadly to the mammoths. As we may be facing global warming again in the next century (either human induced or part of the natural weather cycle of the Earth), it will be important to watch for species which may have trouble adapting. Maybe humanity can save a species which might have otherwise died out.
- Did Ancient Man Start Global Warming?
New research finds that ancient (or in this case pre-historic) man may have helped to jump start global warming. Details can be found in the CNN article Study: Global warming sparked by ancient farming methods by Shelby Lin Erdman. Erdman wrote, "The...
- The Horse
Although you may not have thought a lot about it, the relationship between the horse and humans has been rather successful for both parties. No other riding animal has had as much impact. Sure, Hannibal had elephants but they didn't do him much good...
- Before The Dawn : Recovering The Lost History Of Our Ancestors
I just finished this excellent book which was written by Nicholas Wade. The author is a science reporter for the New York Times. The book covers a lot but the essence of the book is how the study of the human genome is allowing scientists and historians...
- Rise And Fall Of The Vikings And The Little Ice Age
The Rise and Fall of the Vikings and the Little Ice Age - Illustrated, scholarly study by Scott Mandia on the impact of long-term climate changes on the Viking civilization in Greenland and Iceland. As we continue to debate the validity of global warming,...
- Neanderthal
Neanderthal - This is an illustrated overview of Neanderthal living. It was created to accompany a TV show that followed the story of a small clan of Neanderthals living in Southwest France 35,000 years ago. In addition to notes on how the show was made,...
World History
Humans not responsible for mammoth extinction
Humans not responsible for mammoth extinction. This is an interesting story from CNN dealing with the pre-history of humanity. One scientist has determined that prehistoric humans were not responsible for the extinction of mammoths."That is what this new data points out," said Dr Dale Guthrie of the University of Alaska in Fairbanks.
What killed the mammoths? It was global warming. The climate of the Earth has shifted repeatedly throughout time growing warmer and colder for large (and sometimes) small periods of time. This plays havoc with some ecosystems and sometimes species go extinct without the help of humans.
The article notes, "Climate shifts were probably responsible for the extinction of the mammoth and other species more than 10,000 years ago, not over-hunting by humans, according to new research published on Wednesday. Radiocarbon dating of 600 bones of bison, moose and humans that survived the mass extinction and remains of the mammoth and wild horse which did not, suggests humans were not responsible."
Pre-historic global warming proved deadly to the mammoths. As we may be facing global warming again in the next century (either human induced or part of the natural weather cycle of the Earth), it will be important to watch for species which may have trouble adapting. Maybe humanity can save a species which might have otherwise died out.
- Did Ancient Man Start Global Warming?
New research finds that ancient (or in this case pre-historic) man may have helped to jump start global warming. Details can be found in the CNN article Study: Global warming sparked by ancient farming methods by Shelby Lin Erdman. Erdman wrote, "The...
- The Horse
Although you may not have thought a lot about it, the relationship between the horse and humans has been rather successful for both parties. No other riding animal has had as much impact. Sure, Hannibal had elephants but they didn't do him much good...
- Before The Dawn : Recovering The Lost History Of Our Ancestors
I just finished this excellent book which was written by Nicholas Wade. The author is a science reporter for the New York Times. The book covers a lot but the essence of the book is how the study of the human genome is allowing scientists and historians...
- Rise And Fall Of The Vikings And The Little Ice Age
The Rise and Fall of the Vikings and the Little Ice Age - Illustrated, scholarly study by Scott Mandia on the impact of long-term climate changes on the Viking civilization in Greenland and Iceland. As we continue to debate the validity of global warming,...
- Neanderthal
Neanderthal - This is an illustrated overview of Neanderthal living. It was created to accompany a TV show that followed the story of a small clan of Neanderthals living in Southwest France 35,000 years ago. In addition to notes on how the show was made,...