Introduction
PREHISTORIC MYSTERY
One of the greatest mysteries in paleontology involves the extinction of the megafauna at the end of the most recent glacial period. Did rapid climate change or contact with ancient humans provide the coup-de-grâce? Despite decades of research, this question is still unresolved.
However, scientists at Bishop’s University and the National Museum of Natural History in Cuba, in collaboration with other institutions, are providing clues to help answer this question by studying extinct animal remains at an underwater cave, Cueva Margarita 1, in western Cuba.
Top photo: Near the entrance to Cueva Margarita 1. © Jill Heinerth
Introduction