Mammuthus primigenius

woolly mammoth molar.

The woolly mammoth, woolly elephant or tundra mammoth was a species of extinct proboscidean of the elephantid family that probably became extinct due to climate change and the disappearance of its habitat at the end of the Pleistocene.

It was a adapted species to the extreme climate of the ice age:

• It had three types of hair to protect itself from the cold.

1. fine 5 centimeter hair that prevented heat loss.
2. hairs 15 to 30 centimeters long that insulated them well.
3. thick, hollow hairs, up to 90 centimeters, along the flanks and under the chin.

• reduction in the size of the ears and tail, to minimize heat loss.
• The sebaceous glands secreted a liquid that made the hair waterproof.
• A thick layer of fat measuring 8 to 10 centimeters gave them insulation.
• a fold of skin protected the anus completely.
• Hemoglobin released oxygen to cells in low temperature conditions, an adaptation to the arctic climate in which the extremities are cold.
• The soles of the feet were rough to improve their grip on the ground.

Mammuthus primigenius It was similar in size to the average elephant today.

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