(5 years and 2537 days ago)

This is a section of Wooly Mammoth tusk. Mammoths lived from about 150,000 years ago to around 1,700 B.C. It is thought to be the first species where man contributed to extinction through over hunting (along with climate change). Tusks could grow to 15 or 16 feet (4.5 meters) long and weigh hundreds of pounds. This section is about 4 inches (10 cm) across and 15 inches (38 cm) long. The tusks were also similar to trees in that you can count the "rings" to determine how old they were when they died (the outside layer is even called the "bark"). This was a very young mammoth, only about 11 years old. They were known to live to about 50-60 years old. It is against the law in most areas to own ivory, but prehistoric ivory is perfectly legal. I got this specimen for my fossil collection about 20 years ago, it's approximately 50,000 years old. (5 years and 2862 days ago)

3 Comments

Dentist, Dream

friiskiwi says:

wow, thanks for the photo and the information, very interesting. Great shot too.

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Juniper says:

great shot and so interesting

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MossyB says:

The color and focus are amazing, and the back story makes the photo even more interesting. Great job!

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Howdie stranger!
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(5 years and 3082 days ago)

3 Comments

dentist, please

magicsteve says:

While this is a really interesting shot I'm not really seeing the "upwards" view. It's there, yes, but not very prevalent. Maybe you could reshoot from a lower angle on Mr. Rex? All the best!

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author says:

Thank you for your comment, I've just changed the pic. Sorry for the people already voted my entry.

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magicsteve says:

Much improved. GL!

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Howdie stranger!
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This is a tooth from a Wooley Mammoth, found while diving in Tampa Bay. It is about 7" tall and approximately 75,000 years old. The "top" part of the tooth is the flat part facing the left-front. The remains of mammoths have been found in 49 out of the 50 states (not Hawaii) and some say there's evidence that it's the first species that went extinct directly due to man. (5 years and 3217 days ago)