Elephas trogontherii

Also known as Steppe Mammoth

Steppe mammoths dominated the vast Eurasian grasslands during the Middle Pleistocene, sporting massive spiral tusks that could exceed four meters in length. Their tall shoulder humps anchored powerful neck muscles and stored metabolic fat reserves necessary for surviving harsh continental winters. With tightly packed enamel ridges on their high-crowned molars, they efficiently ground down the coarse, abrasive steppe grasses that flourished across periglacial landscapes.