Seminar

Since c.50 ka BP, Eurasia and North America have lost approximately 36% and 72% of their large mammalian genera respectively. Through analyzing fossil record locations, many suggested that naturally suitable climate conditions for many extinct species (e.g. wooly mammoth and wooly rhinoceros) have drastically declined between the Late-Pleistocene and Holocene transition. My research aims to investigate and quantify the interactions between megaherbivores, vegetation and the wider physical environment, which can then be integrated into existing dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs). Despite the significant implications of megafaunas in altering the terrestrial landscape, environmental feedbacks have not been studied to the fullest extent. My research seeks to explore a more comprehensive overview of the relationship between megafaunas and the environment, and provide new perspectives to terrestrial modeling of both the past and future.

For additional information: Mr Lai O Leo, leolai98@connect.hku.hk