What was the maximum recorded length for the woolly mammoth's long, coarse outer guard hairs?
Answer
Up to 1 meter (3 feet)
The outermost protective layer of the mammoth's coat, known as guard hairs, was remarkably substantial. These hairs were long and coarse, serving to protect the insulating undercoat from the elements. The text indicates that these specific hairs could achieve impressive lengths, sometimes measuring up to a full meter, which is equivalent to approximately 3 feet. This substantial length contributed to the overall insulation and helped shed snow and rain from the vital inner wool layer.
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