The damp climate resulted in heavy rainfall, which washed away layers of soil that served as natural sources of minerals for animals. The lack of these minerals led to the outbreak of diseases. Some researchers believe that humans may also have spread viruses that caused epidemics in the animal world.

Extraterrestrial cause

It has recently been shown that approximately 13,000 years ago, a celestial body exploded over North America, which may also have played a role in the extinction, but it is certain that it could not have caused global extinction.