The Woolly Mammoth, scientifically known as Mammuthus primigenius, was a Pleistocene-era mammoth that survived into the early Holocene-era. Because of its preserved remains in frozen ground, it is one of the most well-known Ice Age animals and one of the last species of the genus Mammuthus to survive.
Woolly Mammoth Physical Characteristics
Woolly Mammoths were large, elephant-like mammals adapted for cold environments. Adult males stood about 3 to 3.5 meters (10 to 11.5 feet) tall at the shoulder and weighed between 4 to 6 tons (3,600 to 5,400 kg). Females were smaller, standing around 2.5 to 2.8 meters (8.2 to 9.2 feet) tall. Their most distinctive features includes
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Thick Fur: A double coat—an outer layer of long guard hairs up to 90 cm (35 in) long, and a dense, woolly undercoat for insulation.
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Long Curved Tusks: Their tusks could reach up to 4 meters (13 feet) in length, used for foraging under snow and fighting for dominance.
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Hump of Fat: A fatty hump on the back and neck stored energy and provided warmth.
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Small Ears and Tail: These reduced heat loss compared to modern elephants.
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Trunk: Flexible and muscular, used for grabbing food and social interaction.
