All current models assume animal populations decrease monotonically to extinction. An alternate scenario and computer simulation characterized by a boom/bust population pattern is presented. It suggests: H. sapiens reduced predator populations, causing a herbivore population boom, leading to overgrazing of trees as well as grass, resulting in environmental exhaustion and extinction of herbivores.
If true, increased continentality of the Holocene may be accounted for thus: herbivore population explosion forces animals to eat all available food, browsers and mixed feeders denude the mixed grassland/woodland of trees, the changed vegetation pattern reduces atmospheric moisture from transpiration resulting in increased continentality.
An interactive system dynamics computer simulation will be available for demonstration and testing.