Journey Through Time: Meet the Extinct Elephants

Step back in time with this incredible showcase of extinct elephant species that once roamed the Earth! This detailed chart features 15 prehistoric giants, each with unique adaptations and striking features. The Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) stands out with its shaggy fur and curved tusks, while the Steppe Mammoth (Mammuthus trogontherii) impresses with its towering size. The European Straight-tusked Elephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) and the Columbian Mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) highlight the diversity in tusk shapes and body structures.

Smaller species like the Channel Islands Mammoth (Mammuthus exilis) and the Cretan Dwarf Mammoth (Mammuthus creticus) reveal how island life led to dramatic size reductions. Meanwhile, the American Mastodon (Mammut americanum) and the Gomphotherium hannibali showcase early proboscideans with distinct, shovel-like tusks. Other fascinating species include the Deinotherium giganteum, with downward-curving tusks, and the Barytherium grave, an early elephant relative with a more primitive form.

From the Palaeoloxodon recki to the Anancus arvernensis, each illustration captures the majesty of these ancient creatures. Sourced from ExtinctAnimals.org, this chart is a captivating tribute to the evolutionary history of elephants. Explore these prehistoric wonders and their incredible legacy today!