In 2001, to test that claim, John Alroy simulated the effect of hunting in computer models of 41 North American species. It turned out that extinctions were virtually unavoidable, especially for the larger animals. Even highly incompetent hunters would have wiped them out. The simulations correctly ‘postdicted’ the fate of 32 of the 41 species, which adds credibility to their conclusions. ‘Whodunnit?’ New Scientist asked, offering its own suggestion: ‘Mr Sapiens in the Americas with a large axe.’
