What important quality did the long guard hairs of the woolly mammoth possess to help repel moisture?
Answer
They were somewhat oily to repel moisture
The outer layer of guard hairs served a dual purpose: protecting the undercoat and managing precipitation. While the undercoat managed trapped air for insulation, the long guard hairs had a necessary attribute to deal with wet snow or rain. These hairs were noted to possess an oily quality. This oil acted as a natural repellent, preventing moisture from penetrating the coat and reaching the vital insulating undercoat layer. This moisture barrier was crucial for maintaining thermal efficiency in a terrestrial mammal frequently exposed to wintry precipitation.
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