Quck answer
Mammoths and mastodons are both extinct elephant-like animals, but there are several key differences between them. Mammoths were generally larger and had longer, curved tusks that pointed upwards. Mastodons were shorter and stockier, with straighter tusks that pointed downwards. Mammoths also had a hump of fat on their backs, while mastodons did not. The teeth of mammoths were more suited to grazing on grass, while mastodons had teeth adapted for browsing on leaves and twigs. Mammoths lived during the Ice Age, while mastodons lived both before and after this time period.
Extinct Animals
Although mammoths and mastodons share similar characteristics, there are some notable differences between the two species.
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If you’ve ever seen illustrations of prehistoric elephantine creatures, you might have trouble distinguishing between mammoths and mastodons at first glance. However, if you’re interested in learning how to quickly identify their differences, read on to increase your knowledge of these similar yet distinct animals.
Both mammoths and mastodons belong to the proboscidean family, which also includes elephants and essentially means “animals with trunks.” The discovery of mammoth and mastodon bones in different parts of the United States during the late 1700s captured the collective imagination of the young nation. Initially, the bones were thought to belong to the skeletons of giants who had roamed the Earth long before humans. Once it was discovered that they came from animals, it was assumed that they were from the same extinct creature. This idea turned the world upside down because the prevailing belief was that God would not let one of his creatures go extinct. Although the bones resembled those of an elephant, they were clearly from a species that no longer existed on Earth.
Scientists and laypeople alike scrutinized the bones, revealing distinct differences. Mammoths primarily lived in the American West and Siberia, where they grazed on grass. Their teeth were relatively flat with ridged grooves. Mastodon teeth had cone-shaped cusps to help chew leaves, twigs, and bark. French anatomist Georges Cuvier believed the cones on the teeth resembled breasts and ultimately gave the mastodons their name. Masto means breast in Greek, and odon means teeth [source: Conniff].
However, teeth aren’t the only differences between the two creatures. While skeletons of these animals have been found in the United States, nearly intact mammoths have been discovered buried in the permafrost in Siberia. Woolly mammoths that lived in Siberia and the cold climates of North America during the Ice Age developed layers of fat beneath their skin and an undercoat of thick fur covered by a coat of longer fur to help keep them warm. Mammoths also adapted to living on islands, such as the Channel Islands in California. These pygmy mammoths were smaller, about the size of a large horse, and more agile than their larger cousins, the American mammoth and the woolly mammoth.
In comparison, mastodons were shorter and stockier than mammoths and not nearly as furry as woolly mammoths. They also had longer, hairier tails, smaller ears, and shorter tusks than mammoths. Now that you know the difference, you’ll be prepared if it pops up on trivia night or during an episode of “Jeopardy.”
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Sources
- Conniff, Richard. “Mammoths and Mastodons: All American Monsters.” Smithsonian. April 2010. (Jan. 22, 2015) http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/mammoths-and-mastodons-all-american-monsters-8898672/?no-ist=
- Field Museum. “Mammoths and Mastodons Educator Guide.” 2010. (Jan. 22, 2015) http://www.fieldmuseum.org/sites/default/files/jsandy/2014/08/11/mammoths_educator_guide.pdf
- Mancini, Mark. “What’s the difference between a mammoth and a mastodon?” Mental Floss. Dec. 19, 2013. (Jan. 22, 2015) http://mentalfloss.com/article/54120/whats-difference-between-mammoth-and-mastodon
FAQ
1. What are mammoths and mastodons?
Mammoths and mastodons are both prehistoric animals that lived during the Ice Age. They belong to the same family as elephants and are known for their long, curved tusks and shaggy hair. Mammoths were mostly found in the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, while mastodons were found in North and Central America.
2. How big were mammoths and mastodons?
Mammoths were larger than mastodons and could reach up to 14 feet tall and weigh up to 12,000 pounds. Mastodons were slightly smaller, typically standing at around 8 feet tall and weighing up to 8,000 pounds.
3. What did mammoths and mastodons eat?
Mammoths were herbivores and primarily ate grasses, shrubs, and other tough vegetation. Mastodons had a more varied diet, eating leaves, twigs, and fruits, as well as bark and other woody plant material.
4. What is the main difference between mammoths and mastodons?
The main difference between mammoths and mastodons is their teeth. Mammoths had flat teeth with ridges for grinding tough vegetation, while mastodons had sharp, pointed teeth for tearing apart woody plants. Mammoths also had longer, curvier tusks than mastodons.
5. Are mammoths and mastodons related to modern elephants?
Yes, mammoths, mastodons, and modern elephants all belong to the same family, Elephantidae. However, mammoths and mastodons are more closely related to each other than they are to modern elephants.
6. When did mammoths and mastodons go extinct?
Mammoths went extinct around 4,000 years ago, while mastodons disappeared around 10,000 years ago. The exact cause of their extinction is not known, but it is believed that climate change, hunting by humans, and disease may have played a role.
7. Are there any living relatives of mammoths or mastodons?
No, there are no living relatives of mammoths or mastodons. However, elephants are their closest living relatives.
8. Where can I see mammoth and mastodon fossils?
Mammoth and mastodon fossils can be found in many museums and universities around the world. Some of the best collections are located at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada, and the Natural History Museum in London.
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