Which species is cited as the earliest known member of the *Mammuthus* genus, dating back about 5 million years?
Answer
*Mammuthus africanavus*
The origin point for the *Mammuthus* genus is generally attributed to fossils found in North Africa. Specifically, *Mammuthus africanavus* is often cited as the earliest known member of this genus, with remains dating back approximately 5 million years ago. While the direct line leading specifically to the woolly form is subject to ongoing refinement based on new fossil finds, *M. africanavus* marks the initial appearance of the genus before subsequent diversification across continents and adaptation to colder climates.
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Evolution of the woolly mammoth - BBC science - YouTube
Related Questions
Which living relative is genetically closest to *Mammuthus primigenius* according to genetic studies?What biome characterized the preferred habitat of the woolly mammoth, *Mammuthus primigenius*?What approximate time separated the divergence of the woolly mammoth lineage from the Columbian mammoth lineage?Which species is cited as the earliest known member of the *Mammuthus* genus, dating back about 5 million years?What key evolutionary features evolved significantly later in the timeline of *M. primigenius* based on ancient DNA sequencing?What specific genetic markers did studies identify as conferring cold tolerance in mammoths?What process explains the woolly mammoth's evolutionary story driven by global climate shifts?Which geographical area is suggested as the likely origin point for the *Mammuthus* species expansion?What characterized the defining difference between the evolutionary focus of early *Mammuthus* and later *M. primigenius* features?Until approximately when did the relict population of woolly mammoths survive exclusively on Wrangel Island?What factors are considered probable contributors to the extinction of the mainland woolly mammoth populations?