What specialized feature defines membership in the Order Proboscidea for the Woolly Mammoth?
Answer
The presence of a proboscis (trunk)
The Order Proboscidea is defined explicitly by the presence of a proboscis, which is the highly specialized, elongated nose structure commonly recognized as a trunk. This feature is shared by all members of this order, including the Woolly Mammoth and modern elephants. The trunk served as an incredibly versatile tool, utilized for complex tasks such as smelling, grasping food items, drinking water, breathing, and tactile sensation, setting this group apart taxonomically from most other mammal orders.
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