The XO Directory

Tusks that belong to the prehistoric Elephant-like mammal called Mastodon is now considered the world's longest tusk. It measures 16.4 feet (5 meters) and 15 feet (4.6 meters) and was discovered well preserved.

The mastodon was probably between 25 and 30 years old when it died, say Tsoukala and Dutch colleague Dick Mol of the Rotterdam Museum of Natural History. Based on the partial skeleton, the researchers believe the animal stood 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) tall at the shoulder and weighed about six tons.

The scientists hope the rare find might shed some light on why mastodons went extinct in Europe about two million years ago, even though the mammals continued to roam North America until about 11,000 years ago.

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