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Of Mammoths and Men

A Case Study in Extinction

By Nancy A. Schiller, Clyde Freeman Herreid

Of Mammoths and Men

 

Abstract

The discovery of a mammoth frozen in the Siberian tundra is the backdrop for this case study, which explores theories for the extinction of the great Ice Age mammals and Homo neanderthalensis. Students research evidence for and against the different hypotheses and then discuss in class the merits of each.  The case was designed for use in a freshman evolutionary biology course, where it was used as the last case in the term after studying the general principles of evolution, genetics, and biodiversity.  Instructors of courses in anthropology and paleontology might also find it appropriate.

   

Date Posted

08/08/2000

Overview

Objectives

  • Examine the general principles and causes of extinction.
  • Explore possible causes for the extinction of mammoths, especially the "overkill" hypothesis and the climate change hypothesis.
  • Consider possible causes for the extinction of the Neanderthals, especially the replacement hypothesis and the interbreeding hypothesis.
  • Examine the recent phylogeny of humans.
  • Learn how to distinguish between speculation and evidence.
  • Practice marshaling evidence in support of an argument.
  • Examine the relative merit of fossil vs. DNA evidence.

Keywords

Extinction; evolution; mammoth; mega-fauna; Ice Age; overkill hypotheis; climate change; Neanderthal; neandertal; Homo neanderthalensis; fossil

  

Subject Headings

Anthropology
Evolutionary Biology
Paleontology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Discussion

 

 

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