Most educated peoples are familiar with that shaggy, lumbering ancestor of the modern elephant, the Woolly Mammoth. However, he was only one member of a large family of prehistoric proboscideans that included the slightly smaller group of animals known as mastodons, as well as the diminutive race of poison-skinned South American protocloids.
There were also many other species of mammoth. One such creature was the Imperial Mammoth, the largest land mammal that ever lived. Another was the Columbian Mammoth, whom many paleontologists believe is the closest relative of both modern elephant species. And there is also the mighty North American Steppe Mammoth, a brilliant beast who had a penchant for bipedalism. Three distinct creatures... or were they?
It is evident from fossil records that all mammoth species descended from the Southern Mammoth, commonly known as the Billy Mammoth in its day, who evolved in central Eurasia and spread to what is now North and South America sometime in the early millennia of the last great Ice Age. From old Billy sprang the Woolly, Steppe, Imperial, and Columbian mammoths, as well as the Dwarf Mammoth, who figures little here. It is easy to discern between the first four and the last, who was quite little. Similarly, we can draw distinct lines between the Woolly Mammoth and his three cousins. This is where we enter what we will heretofore refer to as a "Gray Area," or "Grey Area."
It is clear that the Steppe Mammoth evolved earlier than both the Imperial and Columbian mammoths. It is also clear that the Steppe Mammoth was a direct descendant of our old friend Billy. What cannot be determined for certain is whether the Imperial and Columbian mammoths evolved parallel to the Steppe Mammoth, or whether it is he who is their direct ancestor. We know that all three species coexisted for many millennia, but of course it is not reasonable to assume that all Steppe Mammoths would have to be extinct by the time a new, clearly defined species arose out of their gene pool. Yet still, the likelihood of the Steppe Mammoth being the genetic father of these two mammoth types is quite small.
So, let us assume that all three developed from one common ancestor, our mutual friend and benefactor, William Mammoth. The similarities between fossil remains of all three species is profound - so much so, in fact, that many leading mammoth experts wonder why the three were ever classified separately to begin with. Skull shape, size, and density. Average tusk length. Average weight, height, fitness level, and after-tax income. All strikingly similar. In truth, it is only the theoretical issues of fur coloration, coat thickness, vocal ability, and overall personality that distinguish the three species from each other. Why, then, if all three were actually one single animal, should the Imperial Mammoth alone enjoy the distinctive honor of being "largest land mammal ever?" Should not that title belong to the North American Steppe Mammoth, of which the Imperial Mammoth is clearly an example?
The answer, always and again, is mere politics. Unfortunately, we know little of the politics of the nineteenth century, when many of these animals were classified. It is a century long-forgotten, an era misplaced in the ebon folds of time. We will never, ever know why three mammoths, who are all clearly the same, are to be forever believed to be different.
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