When was prehistoric animals around?

Answer 1

Prehistory refers to anything that existed before writing. Hence, any animals that existed before local people had written records were prehistoric. The earliest writing developed in the Middle East 6,000 years ago, and shortly afterward in Egypt, followed by China, India, Greece, and Rome. Almost all of North America was prehistoric prior to the arrival of Columbus in 1492, and Australia was prehistoric until the arrival of the Dutch in the 1600's.