Tooth - Straight Tusked Elephant
Object
Fossil
Production date
400,000 BC - 14,000 BC
Object number
1991.1028
Physical Description
Broken central fragment of right upper molar tooth of a straight tusked elephant. Identified by Prof. Adrian Lister (records previously listed as mammoth).
Object history
Straight-tusked elephants may have been the largest land mammal to have ever existed. They could weigh over 14 tonnes and reach up to 4.5 metres tall, making today’s modern elephants seem small in comparison.
In addition to their huge tusks, they are known for the distinctive ‘headband-like’ ridge sticking out of their forehead, part of which can be seen on this skull fragment. The straight-tusked elephant became extinct in Britain about 115,000 years ago.
The depth of the ridges between enamel on the upper surface suggest that the elephant ate a diet of soft leaves and plants, indicating a woodland environment.
In addition to their huge tusks, they are known for the distinctive ‘headband-like’ ridge sticking out of their forehead, part of which can be seen on this skull fragment. The straight-tusked elephant became extinct in Britain about 115,000 years ago.
The depth of the ridges between enamel on the upper surface suggest that the elephant ate a diet of soft leaves and plants, indicating a woodland environment.
Material
bone
Dimension
Height (Whole): 135mm
Width (Whole): 80mm
Depth (Whole): 80mm
Width (Whole): 80mm
Depth (Whole): 80mm
On display?
No
Inscription
'D', 'Lab no 6490'