The woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) is an extinct species of mammoth that lived during the Pleistocene until its extinction in the early Holocene epoch. It was one of the last in a line of mammoth species, beginning with Mammuthus subplanifrons in the early Pliocene. The woolly mammoth diverged from the steppe mammoth about 400,000 years ago in East Asia. Its closest extant relative is the Asian elephant. The appearance and behaviour of this species are among the best studied of any prehistoric animal because of the discovery of frozen carcasses in Siberia and Alaska, as well as skeletons, teeth, stomach contents, dung, and depiction from life in prehistoric cave paintings. Mammoth remains had long been known in Asia before they became known to Europeans in the 17th century. The origin of these remains was long a matter of debate, and often explained as being remains of legendary creatures. The mammoth was identified as an extinct species of elephant by Georges Cuvier in 1796.
The woolly mammoth was roughly the same size as modern African elephants. Males reached shoulder heights between 2.7 and 3.4 m (8.9 and 11.2 ft) and weighed up to 6 metric tons (6.6 short tons). Females reached 2.6–2.9 m (8.5–9.5 ft) in shoulder heights and weighed up to 4 metric tons (4.4 short tons). A newborn calf weighed about 90 kg (200 lb). The woolly mammoth was well adapted to the cold environment during the last ice age. It was covered in fur, with an outer covering of long guard hairs and a shorter undercoat. The colour of the coat varied from dark to light. The ears and tail were short to minimise frostbite and heat loss. It had long, curved tusks and four molars, which were replaced six times during the lifetime of an individual. Its behaviour was similar to that of modern elephants, and it used its tusks and trunk for manipulating objects, fighting, and foraging. The diet of the woolly mammoth was mainly grasses and sedges. Individuals could probably reach the age of 60. Its habitat was the mammoth steppe, which stretched across northern Eurasia and North America.
The woolly mammoth coexisted with early humans, who used its bones and tusks for making art, tools, and dwellings, and the species was also hunted for food. It disappeared from its mainland range at the end of the Pleistocene 10,000 years ago, most likely through climate change and consequent shrinkage of its habitat, hunting by humans, or a combination of the two. Isolated populations survived on St. Paul Island until 5,600 years ago and on Wrangel Island until 4,000 years ago. After its extinction, humans continued using its ivory as a raw material, a tradition that continues today. With a genome project for the mammoth completed in 2015,[1] it has been proposed the species could be recreated through various means, but none of these is...
Read moreThe Erotic Museum in Amsterdam is located in the heart of the famous Red Light District (De Wallen), occupies a historic former warehouse building constructed in 1685. On the museum’s facade, the inscription “God is my Castle” is still visible, creating an interesting contrast with the museum’s content. The museum was opened in the 1980s and has been managed since 1996 by Janot Entertainment Group, a company specializing in erotic entertainment. The main goal of the museum is to show that eroticism has always been an integral part of human culture and art throughout history. The museum’s exhibition spans several floors and includes diverse collections of erotic art: photographs, drawings, sculptures, and lithographs, featuring works by well-known figures such as John Lennon and Jan Cremer. It also displays historical artifacts reflecting attitudes towards sexuality in different eras and cultures. One of the museum’s highlights is its unusual installations, such as a bicycle with a unique mechanism that activates when pedaling. There are also recreated interiors, like a prostitute’s room with a wax figure, demonstrating the daily life of sex industry workers. Additionally, visitors can view video installations featuring alternative versions of famous fairy tales like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” as well as unique exhibits such as vending machines with unusual condoms. The museum combines elements of humor, art, and history, offering visitors not only entertainment but also food for thought. Admission is restricted to those aged 18 and over. Interestingly, the museum is housed in a listed architectural monument, emphasizing the contrast between its historic facade and modern content. Many exhibits surprise visitors and remain memorable for their originality and uniqueness. The museum offers a unique perspective on sexuality, harmoniously blending historical artifacts with modern creative installations. If you want to explore the history of sexuality and see how it has been reflected in art and culture throughout different eras, the Erotic Museum in Amsterdam is an informative and unusual...
Read moreErotic Museum in Amsterdam is a fascinating and liberating experience that delves into the realm of human sensuality and sexuality. This museum provides a tasteful and open-minded approach to a subject often considered taboo. The exhibits are diverse and thoughtfully curated, showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions of eroticism through various mediums. From vintage photographs to contemporary art pieces, the collection is both extensive and engaging. The historical context provided for each exhibit adds depth to the overall experience. In summary, the Erotic Museum in Amsterdam offers a unique journey through the diverse expressions of human sensuality. Its open-minded approach, combined with the rich and engaging exhibits, make it a worthwhile visit for those with an interest in this aspect of human culture...
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