Woolly mammoth: Mammoth

Mammoth , any member of an extinct group of elephants found as fossils in Pleistocene and Holocene deposits on several continents. The woolly , Northern, or Siberian mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) is by far the best-known of all mammoths and may have persisted as late as 4,300 years ago. Woolly mammoths also had a lump on their back, which scientists think were fat stores that provided energy when food was scarce, sort of like a camel’s hump. Scientists aren’t sure exactly why woolly mammoths went extinct: Some think that humans hunted too many of them, and others believe that they couldn’t survive Earth’s naturally ... The woolly mammoth was a large, powerful creature well-adapted to cold environments. It had distinct features that set it apart from its modern relatives. This section covers the mammoth ’s size and build, its thick fur and impressive tusks, and its unique sensory capabilities. Size and Build Woolly mammoths stood about 10 to 12 feet tall at the shoulder. They had a stocky build, which helped them conserve heat in icy conditions. Weighing around 6 tons, these animals were similar in size to ... The woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) was a massive creature, standing about 3 to 3.7 meters (about 10 to 12 feet) tall. Its towering stature was complemented by its hefty weight, which ranged between 5,500 and 7,300 kg (approximately 6 to 8 tons). Such dimensions make the woolly mammoth comparable in size to modern-day elephants.