Did you know what the difference is between an elephant and those big, hairy beasts known as mammoths that you see in ice age films? They both have trunks and tusks, but did you know that they are different? Read below to find out what makes these incredible creatures different.
Mammoth vs Elephant: Spotting the Differences
While mammoths and elephants share a common ancestor, they have distinct differences that helped them survive in their respective environments. Here's a quick look:
Feature | Mammoth | Elephant |
Habitat | Cold, icy regions | Warmer climates (Africa, Asia) |
Fur | Thick, shaggy coat | Sparse, smooth skin |
Tusks | Long, curved, sometimes spiraled | Moderately curved |
Body Size | Similar to elephants, some were larger | Varies, generally smaller than some mammoth species |
Ears | Smaller to reduce heat loss | Larger to radiate heat |
Molars | Ridges are more numerous and closely spaced | Fewer ridges that are widely spaced |
Elephants
Elephants are the biggest land animals in the world today. They live in Africa and Asia. They're incredibly intelligent, have fabulous memories, and use their trunks to drink water, give each other hugs, and more! Elephants have smooth skin, large ears, and long, curved tusks. They use that for digging and for protection. They live in herds, sort of like big family units, and eat plants.
Mammoths
Mammoths existed very, very long ago, primarily during the age of the Ice Age. They were able to live in very cold places. They also had very long and curved tusks, at times much larger than an elephant's tusks. The tusks actually assisted them in digging holes in the snow in order to attempt to find food. They grazed like an elephant but their bodies grew adapted to cold environments.
Mammoths and elephants are like the same animals with different species in the animal kingdom. Mammoths were the furry creatures of the Ice Age, while elephants are the amazing giants we share the planet with today. Both are incredible in their own way, showing how animals can adapt and thrive in different environments!
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