Mammoths: Extinct Giants of the Prehistoric World
Mammoth Classification and Evolution
Mammoths were a genus of extinct elephants known as Mammuthus. They lived during the late Miocene epoch, approximately 62 million years ago, and continued into the Holocene epoch. Mammoths roamed various continents, leaving behind fossilized remains in Pleistocene and Holocene deposits.
Subspecies of Mammoths
There were several subspecies of mammoths, each with its own unique characteristics:
• Woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius): Known for its thick coat of fur and iconic tusks
• Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi): The largest known species of mammoth, with some individuals reaching heights of over 4 meters (13 feet)
• Steppe mammoth (Mammuthus trogontherii): Found in Eurasia, characterized by its thinner fur and shorter tusks
Comments