Quaternary Megafauna in South America

In recent decades, the adoption of novel methodological approaches has led to significant advances in the understanding of the taxonomy, systematics, and dietary paleoecology of South American Quaternary megafauna. Despite these developments, however, the extinction of these species during the Holocene, along with their geographic and temporal dynamics and ecological interactions, remain fields with gaps and challenges. Key issues, such as biogeographical patterns within the Great American Biotic Interchange, intraspecific variation, ecological requirements, paleobiology, and interactions with prehistoric human populations, continue to lack comprehensive understanding. This thematic session aims to consolidate recent contributions to the study of Pleistocene/Holocene mammalian megafauna in South America, emphasizing new approaches and recent findings. Additionally, we will address the conceptual and methodological gaps that still limit our understanding of megafauna extinction and adaptation processes, exploring how these phenomena can be more effectively approached through emerging lines of research. It is hoped that this thematic session will promote interdisciplinary dialogue, foster the exchange of innovative ideas, and provide guidance for future research endeavors that may reshape South American paleontology and its role in advancing global knowledge of Quaternary extinctions.