The Ancients Woolly Mammoths
Feb 2, 2025
In this discussion, Adrian Lister, a paleobiologist at the Natural History Museum, and David Meltzer, a professor at Southern Methodist University, unveil the woolly mammoth's fascinating journey. They delve into the mammoth's evolutionary adaptations to Ice Age climates, revealing how they roamed North America until as recently as 4,000 years ago. The conversation explores their dietary habits, interactions with early humans, and the implications of extinction, weaving together archaeological evidence and modern scientific discussions on their potential revival.
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Woolly Mammoth Origins
- Woolly mammoths are the most well-known mammoth species, prevalent during the last ice age.
- Other mammoth species existed before them, forming an evolutionary line.
Mammoth Evolution
- Mammoths originated in Africa as a tropical species around 5 million years ago.
- They migrated north around 3.5 million years ago, adapting to colder climates.
Cold Adaptations
- Woolly mammoths had shorter tails and smaller ears than elephants to prevent frostbite and heat loss in cold climates.
- Preserved carcasses in permafrost provide valuable information about these features.
