What was the primary stated function of the woolly mammoth's massive, curving tusks during winter months?
Answer
Sweeping away snow to reach beneath vegetation
The elongated, heavily curved incisor teeth, or tusks, served multiple vital roles, but their primary function during the difficult winter months was linked directly to sustenance. Mammoths utilized these massive ivory tools to physically sweep away the thick layers of snow that covered the landscape. This action cleared the ground, allowing them access to the essential forage beneath, such as grasses, sedges, and mosses, which were necessary for their survival when other food sources were inaccessible due to snow cover.
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