- Ancient relatives of modern-day elephants appeared roughly five million years ago and disappeared around 4,000 years ago
- Species included woolly mammoths, who adapted to survive the ice age, and Columbian mammoths, who lived in grasslands and the savannah
Scientists are learning a lot from mammoth fossils, including the massive woolly mammoth. Photo: ShutterstockMillions of years ago, mammoths – which were massive creatures covered in thick fur – roamed the Earth’s frozen plains.
These ancient relatives of modern-day elephants appeared roughly 5 million years ago before they suddenly disappeared about 4,000 years ago. Based on their fossils, scientists believe they lived in Africa, North America, Europe, Asia, and even Siberia.
These massive creatures stood over three metres tall, and their most noticeable feature was their long curved tusks. They were a diverse species that included the woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius), the Columbian mammoths (Mammuthus columbi), and the steppe mammoths (Mammuthus trogontherii).
Learning from mammoth fossils
Scientists have been trying to understand how these animals evolved by comparing the structures and appearances of fossils from different species.
Researchers identify distinct mammoth species and track how they evolved over time by comparing fossilised remains such as tusks and teeth.
In the past, they could only find out limited information about the mammoths. But now, advances in genetic analysis have become a game-changer for palaeontological research, providing scientists with powerful new tools to unlock the secrets of mammoths.
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Researchers have long been fascinated with two notable species that lived in North America: woolly mammoths and Columbian mammoths.
By looking at the woolly mammoths’ remains, it was clear that they were perfectly adapted to survive in harsh, icy conditions. Their long, shaggy fur provided insulation against the cold, while their impressive curved tusks helped them forage for food and defend against predators. Thick fur and a layer of fat were essential adaptations for these mammoths to survive the frosty temperatures of the most recent ice age that ended 11,500 years ago.
On the other hand, the Columbian mammoths, known for their imposing size, inhabited savannah environments of temperate areas. These gentle giants stood out with their massive frames and shorter fur.
Origins of the Columbian mammoth
Scientists used to believe that the Columbian mammoths evolved from the Eurasian steppe mammoths as both species had similar physical characteristics, including having less hair compared to woolly mammoths.
They thought steppe mammoths migrated from Eurasia to North America via the Bering land bridge during the ice age when sea levels were low. They were presumed to have been the direct ancestors of Columbian mammoths.
However, genetic analysis of a recently discovered sample from Krestovka, Russia, points to a different possibility: Columbian mammoths might actually be a mix between woolly mammoths and an unidentified ancient mammoth lineage.
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This exciting discovery sheds light on how species evolve and mix their characteristics over time. It also shows the power of genetic data in helping us piece together the timeline of evolution and in uncovering how traits get passed down through generations.
While we now know much more about mammoths, their biggest puzzle remains unsolved: why did they disappear suddenly? Perhaps, genetic research also holds the key to unlocking this mystery.
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