Mammoths were one of the largest creatures that inhabited the planet several tens of thousands of years ago. These mammals were spread all over the planet and were not afraid of anyone, because they were able to repulse any enemy.

Despite the great diversity of mammoths, at some point they began to die out gradually. Scientists still put forward various hypotheses, trying to explain situations in which animals disappeared, and still can not come to a consensus. Which theory is most likely?

The appearance of mammoths and their features

Scientists around the world find the remains of mammoths. Their bones are found in Europe, North America and Asia. The oldest fossil is at least four million years old. It is assumed that it was then that the first types of these creatures appeared.

The “freshest” remains of mammoths about 10 thousand years ago. Humanity has not yet discovered newer ones, so we can conclude that they disappeared around that period.
Externally, mammoths resemble elephants and are distant ancestors of modern carriers of trunks. However, in the appearance of historical creatures there were significant differences.

Outwardly, the mammoths were large. Depending on the species, the height varied from 2m to 4m. As for the weight, it could reach 10 tons.

Interesting fact: One and a half million years ago the Imperial Mammoth lived. It grew to 6 meters in height, and weight reached 15 tons.

Unlike elephants, mammoths had a hairline that helped them survive in harsh cold conditions. Tusks were used to rake snow to find grass and bushes suitable for food. Some types of mammoths accumulated fat in the interlayers on their backs, which made them humpback like camels. The trunk had thick skin with a small bald head at the end. It was used to raise objects and bring them to the mouth. Also, the trunk helped animals clear the way: branches moved apart, logs were dragged, etc.

The molars of the animals had increased strength, since it was they who used to grind most of the food. The teeth were in the corners in a row. Interestingly, the molar’s ​​molars gradually erased to the base, and new ones grew in their places.

Mammoth extinction hypotheses

Despite the fact that mammoths walked the Earth for four million years, gradually they completely disappeared. The centuries-old experience and the process of evolution did not help the animals to adapt and survive. It was found that contrary to popular opinion, mammoths did not die out instantly. Yes, finally they disappeared from the face of the Earth 10 thousand years ago. However, the smooth disappearance began 120 thousand years ago.

Over this period of time, the climate on Earth has changed dramatically, ice ages were replaced by warming, which was reflected in mammoths. They had to adapt to a changing climate, which also complicated the process of finding food. Because of this, the number was gradually declining, but did not tend to zero.

However, after one hundred thousand years of gradual extinction, at a certain point, these animals sharply disappeared in a short period of time. So far, scientists are trying to establish the exact cause, but still can not choose one of the three most likely hypotheses.

Meteorite

The first hypothesis, which seems the least likely, is a meteorite. Allegedly, at that time a fragment of an alien origin fell on Earth, which led to a sharp change in climate on the planet. At that time there was another Ice Age, which abruptly stopped. An increase in temperature provoked the disappearance of most animals, including mammoths. This hypothesis has not been confirmed, since archaeologists have not found parts of the comet.

People

The second hypothesis is related to people. When several thousand years ago, the distant ancestors of modern man began to inhabit the Earth, they actively hunted various animals.

Mammoths were a priority goal, because due to the large size and structural features they were clumsy. This allowed them to attack from a vantage point, lure into traps. Yes, during the hunt several hunters could say goodbye to their lives, but the tribe didn’t have enough meat for more than one day. The hypothesis claims that mammoths disappeared due to people who began to hunt them in large numbers.

Dramatic climate change

The third hypothesis is considered the most probable. She suggests that mammoths disappeared due to abrupt climatic changes that occurred naturally, and not due to a meteorite.

What hypothesis is true - scientists are not yet ready to give a definitive answer. While studying the history of the planet and mammoths, everyone draws certain conclusions, on the basis of which he seeks the truth.

There are three hypotheses trying to justify the cause of the disappearance of mammoths. The first is based on the fall of a meteorite that changed the climate, because of which these animals could not adapt. The second is tied to changes in natural conditions that occur naturally. The third says that mammoths could disappear due to people who began a mass hunt for them.