megafauna
/ˈmɛɡəˌfɔnə/
noun
- Large or giant animals, especially those that lived in prehistoric times, such as mammoths and saber-toothed cats.
- Scientists study fossilized bones to learn how ancient megafauna lived.
- The museum has a fascinating exhibit on the megafauna of the Ice Age.
- Many species of megafauna went extinct around 10,000 years ago.
- Very large animals living in a particular region or ecosystem today, such as elephants, whales, or rhinoceroses.
- The savanna's megafauna attract tourists from around the globe.
- Conservation efforts focus on protecting endangered megafauna like the African elephant.
- Africa is home to some of the world's most impressive megafauna, including elephants and giraffes.