Megaloceros giganteus: The Irish Elk

The video explores the discovery and historical significance of Megaloceros giganteus, also known as the Irish Elk. It discusses how humans interacted with this extinct species, using its antlers for tools and possibly in rituals. Theories on its extinction, including the Antler Theory, are examined, highlighting the impact of climate change and human hunting. The legacy of Megaloceros is preserved in art and folklore, continuing to capture human imagination.

What did the fishermen discover in Lough Neagh in 2018?

• A sunken ship

• A giant squid

• A preserved skull and antlers of Megaloceros giganteus

• A treasure chest

What is the closest living relative to Megaloceros giganteus?

• Red deer

• Elk

• Caribou

• Moose

Where are some of the most famous cave paintings of Megaloceros found?

• Pech Merle and Font-de-Gaume Caves

• El Castillo and Niaux Caves

• Lascaux and Cougnac Caves

• Altamira and Chauvet Caves

What unique artifact made from Megaloceros antlers was found in Russia?

• A carved hammer

• A decorated shield

• A ceremonial mask

• An intricately carved dagger

What is the Antler Theory regarding the extinction of Megaloceros?

• Their antlers caused them to get stuck in trees and drown

• Their antlers required too many nutrients to grow and maintain

• Their antlers made them easy targets for predators

• Their antlers caused them to overheat

What environmental change contributed to the decline of Megaloceros populations?

• Increased volcanic activity

• Rising sea levels

• Transformation of open grazing lands into dense forests

• Frequent earthquakes

What evidence suggests that humans hunted Megaloceros?

• Spears found near Megaloceros skeletons

• Butchered remains found at archaeological sites

• Ancient texts describing the hunts

• Cave paintings depicting hunting scenes

How did the changing climate in the Late Pleistocene affect Megaloceros?

• It made them more resistant to diseases

• It increased their food supply

• It led to the loss of their grazing lands

• It caused them to migrate to warmer regions

Which poet used the imagery of a Megaloceros skeleton in his poems?

• Seamus Heaney

• William Butler Yeats

• Patrick Kavanagh

• James Joyce

What does the presence of Megaloceros on the Northern Irish coat of arms represent?

• The natural environment of Northern Ireland

• The strength and resilience of its people

• The cultural heritage of the region

• The country's ancient history