The Pleistocene

The Pleistocene began 1.6 million years ago and ended 10,000 years ago. During this time the Earth was in an ice age and large portions of the continents were covered in ice. Europe, Asia and North America were the home of large mammals which were members of a group known as the Pleistocene Megafauna. Some Megafauna members are Mammuthus (Wooly Mammoth), Smilodon (Sabre-toothed cat), Coelodonta (Wooly Rhino) and Megatherium (Giant Ground Sloth).

The Pleistocene was an important time for the evolution of Humans. Our species was becoming smarter and learning to control fire, make weapons and hunt. Humans had a large impact on the disappearance of many animals of the Megafauna due to its new found ability to make weapons.