| − | [[Flora]] and [[Fauna]] in the Pleistocene are cliamed to have been very similar to what is found today. Many of the same species of mollusks, birds, mammals, and insects still exist. The theorized Pleistocene period however, is said to have been characterized by many large mammals which are now extinct. These include [[giant sloth]]s, [[neanderthal]]s, [[wooly mammoth]]s, and [[sabre toothed cat]]s. [[Horse]]s and [[camel]]s once galloped across the North American plains and giant birds with 25 foot wingspans stalked prey. [[Scientist]]s speculate that the Pleistocene mass extinction event may have been caused by a combination of changing climate, disease, and overhunting by [[human]]s. | + | [[Flora]] and [[Fauna]] in the Pleistocene were very similar to what is found today. Many of the same species of mollusks, birds, mammals, and insects still exist. The theorized Pleistocene period however, is said to have been characterized by many large mammals which are now extinct. These include [[giant sloth]]s, [[neanderthal]]s, [[wooly mammoth]]s, and [[sabre toothed cat]]s. [[Horse]]s and [[camel]]s once galloped across the North American plains and giant birds with 25 foot wingspans stalked prey. [[Scientist]]s speculate that the Pleistocene mass extinction event may have been caused by a combination of changing climate, disease, and overhunting by [[human]]s. |