Woolly Mammoth Fossils
(Mammuthus primigenius)
(Click on a thumbnail to learn more about it.)
This oblique view shows both the side and flat grinding (occlusal) surface of an adult mammoth molar. (The front of the tooth is toward the right.) Numerous transverse ridges of slightly raised enamel interspersed with slightly recessed bands of cementum and dentine cover the occlusal, or grinding, surface.
Mammoth (and elephant) teeth are highly evolved structures that are ideally suited for processing coarse grasses. Grasses contain abrasive silica, which can quickly wear down most teeth. But despite years of wear, these molars are able to maintain an efficient grinding surface. The dense enamel ridges are worn down, but because the dentine is softer, it's more readily removed and the alternating pattern of raised enamel ridges and recessed bands of dentine is preserved.
A nickel is shown for scale.
This is another view of the same woolly mammoth molar. The occlusal, or grinding, surface is shown at the bottom. The front of the tooth is to the right. This view shows the bands of enamel extending through the tooth.
A nickel is shown for scale.