WOOLLY MAMMOTH: Warmth and Hospitality

Best known of the Ice Age Mammals, Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) received her name from her outer layer of long hair. Underneath that layer, She had another dense inner layer of fur. To cope with the icy temperatures, Woolly Mammoth had a compact body, a high domed head and small ears.

Woolly Mammoth had a shorter but more flexible trunk than other Mammoths. At the end of her trunk was a finger-like appendage as well as another protuberance. She used these to gather grasses and other plants for eating.

The smallest of Mammoths, Woolly Mammoth had extra long tusks. These ornate twisting tusks had many uses. For example, She could dig up plants and clear snow with them. Also, Woolly Mammoth could fight off predators with her tusks by bashing the attacking animal with them. Her tusks were like tree rings, telling her age and life experience.

Meanwhile, Paleo-peoples used the tusks of Woolly Mammoth to construct their homes. Many of their houses were built from her large bones and woolly hides. In one homestead found in Ukraine, the skulls of Woolly Mammoths, placed in a semi-circle, formed the base walls. Then the jaws were used to erect the upper parts of the walls. For the entrance, they used the leg bones of Woolly Mammoth. She provided shelter for them on the flat, treeless plains.

The last known Mammoth lived about 4,000 years ago on a small island near Siberia during the Stone Age. Many people believe that Woolly Mammoth went extinct through overhunting. However others think that as the world’s climate became warm; She could not survive adequately on the new plants. Whatever the reason, Woolly Mammoth became the icon for extinction from overhunting during the Ice Age.

Woolly Mammoth exudes warmth and hospitality. Meeting others during migrations, She greets Them with touching and trumpeting with her trunk. Furthermore, Woolly Mammoth would wait for laggards as well, welcoming Them back into the herd.

Learn from Woolly Mammoth about proper hospitality and warmth. She teaches us how to care for and welcome others into our hearth and home. However do not so be taken advantage of that you end up giving up everything you have. You can be flexible but also wary.

(Note: update of post from 2010.)

Prehistoric Elephant Family: Partnership

(Deinotheres, Elephants, Mammoths, and Mastodons)

Of the myriad Trunked Mammals who once roamed the earth, only African and Asian Elephants still remain today.  At one time, Proboscids (Trunked Mammals) lived everywhere except Antarctica and Australia.  Spreading from Africa where They originated, these Mammals flourished during the Miocene Period (from 20 million years ago (mya) to 5 mya).  Since many Proboscids were not immune to the cold, only a few survived the Ice Age.

Trunked Mammals have a long complex evolutionary history.  Beginning as small herbivores sixty mya, these Mammals resembled modern Pigmy Hippos.  For example, Moeritherium did look like a small Hippo but possessed a flexible upper lip and snout like an Elephant.  Then a cousin, Deinotherium appeared alongside the Gomphotheres (Early Elephants) about fifteen mya. Many of the Gomphotheres had flat tusks to shovel plants out of soft swampy ground. In addition, They used their trunks to uproot trees.

Mastodons split off from the Elephant Family (which also includes Mammoths). Unlike Mammoths, Mastodons had cheek teeth with low-rounded crowns. Meanwhile, Mammoths had the most highly evolved of elephantine teeth. Because of the grinding surfaces of their teeth, Mammoths could eat grasses whilst Mastodons searched the trees for tender leaves. Mastodons preferred warm climates to the Mammoths’ cold ones.

The Family of Trunked Mammals has been a part of human history from the very beginning.  Both Humans and Proboscids evolved together in Africa.  Later both spread out of Africa to populate the world.  When Paleo-humans needed food and shelter, they hunted Trunked Mammals.  They also built their homes from the bones and hides of various Proboscids. To honor Them, Paleo-peoples painted the likenesses of Mammoths and Mastodons on cave walls.

The infant science of paleontology became advanced through the study of Proboscids’ teeth and bones.  Since Trunked Mammals were widely distributed around the world, early scientists could trace their evolution.  Because Proboscid fossils were plentiful and readily available, early naturalists could learn their craft from these fossils.

Throughout the ages, humans entered into a partnership with various Trunked Mammals.  As each developed, They learned from each other.  Proboscids provided for humans and taught them basic life skills.  In return, Humans honored Them. The lesson of Trunked Mammals is that a partnership is one of equals.  We need to be good partners as They have taught us and protect their living representatives.  Today all that remain are endangered.

Science Note: Manatees, dugongs, and hyraxes are the closest living relatives of elephants. They are descended from Moeritherium.

(Updated from earlier 2010 blog.)

AFRICAN ELEPHANT: Having a Rich Emotional Life

To those first encountering African Elephant, He seems large and strong. With his great curved tusks, long nose, and great ears, African Elephant seems like a creature from prehistory. At one time, the earth was filled with Trunked Mammals (Proboscidea), and now there are only two left – Asian Elephant and African Elephant (who are not close relatives).

Despite African Elephant’s great weight, He walks almost noiselessly through the African plains and forests. Using his long trunk as a hand, African Elephant browses trees and grass, chomping on green plants. Playing a vital role is the ecosystem of Africa, He is a keystone species. His herd’s paths act as a firebreak. His wallows are small pools for water. He disperses seeds from one place to another, converting the savannah to grassland.

Living a close-knit group, African Elephant’s herd is ruled by a Matriarch, an Old Cow. (The Bulls have their own small group within the herd.) Ever affectionate, African Elephant is willing to risk his life to prevent a death of a family member.  Greeting his friends with low rumbles and trumpets, He welcomes Them back to the herd. He snorts and rumbles good-bye to his Friends when He leaves to browse.

“An elephant never forgets” is in reference to African Elephant’s rich emotional memories. He remembers what happens to Him and his Family Members especially if They are harmed in any way. African Elephant notices and remembers when One Elephant has something the Others cannot have. He will settle scores and harbor grudges.

African Elephant has a rich emotional life. He beckons you to have one as well. Like people, African Elephant cares what happens to Him and Those he loves.

Just do not harbor grudges like African Elephant does.
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Note: Although Asian Elephant (Elephas maxims) and African Elephant (Lexodonta African) are the only remaining members of the Proboscidea (trunked mammals) Order, they are not close relatives of each other. Asian Elephant, which is closer in DNA to Mammoths, evolved as a separate Asian species. African Elephant has larger ears and a sloped head.

Conservation Note: African Elephant is endangered.

WOOLLY MAMMOTH: Warmth and Hospitality

Best known of the Ice Age Mammals, Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) received her name from her outer layer of long hair.  Underneath that layer, She had another dense inner layer of fur.  To cope with the icy temperatures, Woolly Mammoth had a compact body, a high domed head and small ears.

            Woolly Mammoth had a shorter but more flexible trunk than other Mammoths.  At the end of her trunk was a finger-like appendage as well as another protuberance.  She used these to gather grasses and other plants for eating.

The smallest of Mammoths, Woolly Mammoth had extra long tusks.  These ornate twisting tusks had many uses.  For example, She could dig up plants and clear snow with them.  Also, Woolly Mammoth could fight off predators with her tusks by bashing with them.

            Meanwhile, Paleo-peoples used the tusks of Woolly Mammoth to construct their homes.  Many of their homes were built from her large bones and woolly hides.  In one homestead, the skulls of Woolly Mammoths, placed in a semi-circle, formed the base walls.  Then the jaws were used to erect the upper parts of the walls. For the entrance, they used the leg bones of Woolly Mammoth.

The last known Mammoth lived about 4,000 years ago on a small island near Siberia during the Stone Age.  Many people believe that Woolly Mammoth went extinct through overhunting. However others think that as the world’s climate became warm; She could not survive adequately on the new plants.  Whatever the reason, Woolly Mammoth became the icon for extinction from overhunting during the Ice Age.

            Woolly Mammoth exudes warmth and hospitality.  Meeting others during migrations, She greets Them with touching and trumpeting with her trunk.  Furthermore, Woolly Mammoth would wait for laggards as well, welcoming Them back into the herd. 

            Learn from Woolly Mammoth about proper hospitality and warmth.  She teaches us how to care for and welcome others into our hearth.  However do not so be taken advantage of that you end up giving up everything you have.

IMPERIAL MAMMOTH: Fight Wisely

The largest Mammoth of all was Imperial Mammoth (Mammuthus imperator).  Living in the warmer climates of North America, She only had a thin covering of hair similar to Modern Elephants.  Her great size meant that She also had a high broad skull and massive lower jaw.

Besides her great size, Imperial Mammoth could be also identified by her long deeply curved tusks, which were the longest tusks of any Elephantid.  She used her tusks to loosen the roots of shrubs for eating.  Moreover by swinging her head, Imperial Mammoth could knock a predator down with these massive tusks.

When Bull Imperial Mammoth became a teenager, the Herd Matriarch kicked Him out.  Roaming the countryside by Himself, He would fight others whom He encountered.  Since He had longer tusks than the Females, Bull Imperial Mammoth could defeat nearly everyone.  Out in the Badlands of Nebraska, two Imperial Mammoth Bulls were found locked in combat.  The two mature Bulls had been unable to separate their twisting tusks, died, and then became fossils.

Imperial Mammoth used her size and tusks to defend Herself.  She also used them to drive out Males from the family herd.  Meanwhile, Bull Imperial Mammoth fought to establish primacy amongst others.  However, there are two sides to combat.  We can choose when and why we fight.  Afterwards, we need to learn to live with the consequences of our actions.  If we choose unwisely, we can end-up like the two fossil Bull Mammoths.

MASTODON FAMILY: Look Closer and Think

Often confused with Mammoths, Mastodons (Mammutidae) are in their own family, since They split off from Elephants and Mammoths earlier.  Therefore, there are many differences between the two Animals.  Mastodons have larger and flatter brows than Mammoths.  Moreover, They have paired low conical cusps for teeth, and upper jaw tusks.  In addition, Mastodons are shorter and more muscular than Mammoths.

            Living side by side with Mammoths, Mastodons colonized Eurasia and North America about fifteen million years ago.  As browsers, They preferred to live in spruce forests and open woodlands.  During the winter, Mastodons had a double coat of fur to prevent Them from freezing in the icy cold.

            Fossil Mastodons have been found with full stomachs, indicating that They consumed about 500 pounds (1,000 kilos) of food each day.  Since their enormous appetites drove Them to seek more and more food, Mastodons roamed the countryside endlessly searching for food.  Mastodons tramped through forests to feast on moss and twigs of cedar, larch, pine, and spruce trees.  Their hunger drove Them deeper into bogs and swamps in search of food, where They died.             

Look closer and think teach Mastodons.  Do not mistake Them for their cousins, the Mammoths.  Examine the differences before making a judgment.  If you do not ponder what you see, you may end up stuck in a bog.

DEINOTHERIUM (Cousin to Elephants): Exercise Your Imagination

The second largest Mammal ever to walk on land was Deinotherium, a cousin to the Early Elephants.  Living during Miocene and Pliocene Periods (20 million years ago (mya) to 2 mya), He belonged to the Deinotheres Family, a sister group to Elephants and Mastodons.  In fact, Deinotherium lived side by side with Them in Africa and Eurasia until the coming of the Ice Age.

            Although Deinotherium resembled an Elephant, He had a shorter and flatter skull.  His notable features were his two tusks that curved downwards from his lower jaw.  The curved shape of his tusks made them perfect for digging for roots and tubers.  Using his tusks, Deinotherium could scrape bark off trees for good.

            In many African sites, Deinotherium fossils have often been found with early Hominids such as Australopithecus.  Later his fossil tusks were discovered on the island of Crete.  (Deinotherium was an excellent swimmer.)  The ancient Greeks uncovered his fossil remains throughout the Greek peninsula.

            From Deinotherium’s bones and teeth, the Greeks imagined monsters and giants.  His odd tusks gave them more splendid ideas for their legends.  Because his skull had a hole in the center (for his trunk), the Greeks believed Deinotherium to be the Cyclops.

            Deinotherium sparks the imagination.  His odd tusks, which curve downwards, can lead us to flights of fantasy.  His huge size gives us pause of how our ancient ancestors lived around Him.  His skull hole formed the ancient myths of the Cyclops.  Let Him help you with your story making.  What myth can Deinotherium inspire next for you?

EARLY ELEPHANTS AND ALLIES (TRUNKED MAMMALS): Partnership

Gomphotherium

(Deinotheres, Elephants, Mammoths, and Mastodons)

Of the myriad Trunked Mammals who once roamed the earth, only African and Asian Elephants still remain today.  At one time, Proboscids (Trunked Mammals) lived everywhere except Antarctica and Australia.  Spreading from Africa where They originated, these Mammals flourished during the Miocene Period (from 20 million years ago (mya) to 5 mya).  Since many Proboscids were not immune to the cold, only a few survived the Ice Age.

            Trunked Mammals have a long complex evolutionary history.  Beginning as small herbivores sixty mya, these Mammals resembled modern Pigmy Hippos.  For example, Moeritherium did look like a small Hippo but possessed a flexible upper lip and snout like an Elephant.  Later a cousin, Deinotherium appeared alongside the Gomphotheres (Early Elephants) about fifteen mya. Many of the Gomphotheres had flat tusks to shovel plants out of soft swampy ground.  In addition, They used their trunks to uproot trees. 

            Later, Mastodons split off from the Elephant Family (which also includes Mammoths).  Unlike Mammoths, Mastodons had cheek teeth with low-rounded crowns.  Meanwhile, Mammoths had the most highly evolved of elephantine teeth.  Because of the grinding surfaces of their teeth, Mammoths could eat grasses whilst Mastodons searched the trees for tender leaves.

            The Family of Trunked Mammals has been a part of human history from the very beginning.  Both Humans and Proboscids evolved together in Africa.  Later both spread out of Africa to populate the world.  When Paleo-humans needed food and shelter, they hunted Trunked Mammals.  They also built their homes from the bones and hides of various Proboscids. To honor Them, Paleo-peoples painted the likenesses of Mammoths and Mastodons on cave walls. 

            The infant science of paleontology became advanced through the study of Proboscids’ teeth and bones.  Since Trunked Mammals were widely distributed around the world, early scientists could trace their evolution.  Because Proboscid fossils were plentiful and readily available, early naturalists could learn their craft from these fossils.

            Throughout the ages, humans entered into a partnership with various Trunked Mammals.  As each developed, They learned from each other.  Proboscids provided for humans and taught them basic life skills.  In return, Humans honored Them. The lesson of Trunked Mammals is that a partnership is one of equals.  We need to be good partners as They have taught us and protect their living representatives. 

Tree Dassies

Tree Hyrax (Tree Dassie): Setting Boundaries

One of the dominant arboreal Mammals in Africa is Tree Hyrax. Living high in the tree canopy, Tree Hyrax has a small area of the forest that is His, usually a single tree. Contorting his body, He navigates the “branch ways” of the rain forests with great agility. In the upper levels of the African jungles, He lives quite comfortably.

What people notice the most about Tree Hyrax is his screaming match with other Tree Hyraxes at night. Starting at dusk, He calls from his tree, using a low ringing sound. Repeating this sound, Tree Hyrax’s calls become louder and harsher. Finally, He screams out unearthly sounds, which resembles metal scraping against metal. Then silence falls in the jungle. After awhile, other Tree Dassies answer Him. As the night deepens, silence once again covers the forest.

Tree Hyrax screams out for all to hear, “This tree belongs to *ME*!” Then, Other Tree Hyraxes return with their screams, “This is *my* tree over here!” Together, They establish their boundaries without trouble.

Wisdom of Tree Hyrax Includes:
Being Agile
Effective Use of Screaming
“Walking on Air”

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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White Elephant

Southeast Asia is known as the “Land of the White Elephant”. People there consider it an high honor to be compared to White Elephant. As a symbol of power and good fortune, White Elephant brings prosperity to those who respect Him. According to Buddhist scriptures, White Elephant presented Lord Buddha’s mother with a lotus flower to announce His Birth.

White Elephant’s Teachings Include:

“This was set out in a Buddhist text, the Three Worlds says: ‘The magnificent king has seven things: a perfect wife, and able treasurer, a wise chief minister, a swift horse, a wheel of the law and a precious gem to guide his actions: and the most noble of white elephants.’” - Copyright: “Talented Thai Elephants” website.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

Asian Elephant: Close Friendships

For thousands of years, Asian Elephant has been a part of people’s lives. She has carried people, their burdens, and cleared their lands. Revered by Hindus as the God Ganesha, Asian Elephant represents wisdom and strength. Meanwhile, Buddhists see Her as a symbol of peace.

Once ranging from Iraq to China, Asian Elephant now lives wild in only a few areas. Led by an elderly Matriarch, Her Herd follows the same path through the jungles as their Grandmothers. Her Herd’s paths are known as “Elephant roads”, and are also traveled by people.

In her Herd, Asian Elephant forms fast friendships. If She becomes separated, She will emit a grumbling purr. Her low calls are heard by her Friends, who answer Her back. With her Friends, Asian Elephant is never alone.

When Asian Elephant is ready to deliver her Calf, She finds Her Best Friend. Together, They go off alone to deliver her Baby. Her Friend helps Asian Elephant in her time of need, and stands guard over her Calf, as well.

Asian Elephant Values close friendships within her Herd. They look out for Each Other and help with their Calves. Surrounded by loved ones, Asian Elephant the value of demonstrates close Friendships.

Asian Elephant’s Wisdom Include:

Wisdom of Grandmothers
Service to Others
Being Respected and Loved

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

The Elephant Family: Reconnect With Your Past

ELEPHANT FAMILY (PROBOSCIDEA)

Reconnect With Your Past

At one time, the earth was filled with trunked Mammals (Proboscidea), but now there are only two left – Asian Elephant and African Elephant (who are not close relatives). Although the Asian Elephant (Elephas maxims) and the African Elephant (Lexodonta African) are the only remaining Members of the Proboscidea Order, They are not close relatives of Each Other. The Asian Elephant, which is closer to Mammoths, evolved as a separate Asian species. African Elephants have larger ears and a sloped head, while Asian Elephants have a domed head.

Originally from Africa, Elephants spread across the earth. However, African Elephant remained close to his ancestral home. Now, only two Elephants remain along with their close relatives: Sea Cows and Dassies (Hyraxes).

Beings from the past, Elephants come to show us the way home. Once these ancient Beings covered the earth, now the One who survived retain the old memories of their home. Go back in time with Elephants and see the world when it was new. Reconnect with your past. Come home.

Wisdom of the Elephant Family:

Ancient Wisdom
Strength
Coming Home

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

Sengi (Elephant Shrew): In A Class By Yourself

ELEPHANT SHREW (SENGI) FAMILY (MACROSCELIDEA):
In A Class By Yourself

Neither Elephants nor Shrews, Elephant Shrews are now called Sengi, their Bantu name. Since They have large, powerful hind legs, Elephant Shrews were also called “jumping shrews”. Because they look like Shrews with long elephant trunks, scientists had problems placing them with other Animals. Eventually, biologists placed Sengi in their own order – Macroscelidea. However, they are believed to be distant relatives of Elephants.

With their long trunk-like snouts, Sengi probe the ground for Insects and roots. Finding a tasty Insect, Sengi digs it out with their long claws. Using their long tongue, Sengi flicks the small insect into their mouth. Even though Sengi have good eyesight and hearing, They prefer sniffing out food with their elephant-like noses.

One of the few Mammals who live in pairs, the two Sengi actually spends little time with each other. After mating, Mother Sengi raise their Youngsters alone. Meanwhile, Father Sengi continues to patrol their small territory. After the Youngsters are grown, Mother Sengi joins in fending off other Sengi from their territory.

Confusing at first to many people, Sengi are unique Mammals. These rodent-size Mammals are related to the larger Elephants and Sea Cows. Small but mighty, Sengi are in a class by themselves. Like Sengi, you can be in class by yourself. You can follow your own way to excellence.

Wisdom of Elephant Shrew / Sengi

Being Small But Mighty
Fidelity
Teamwork

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals