Woolly Mammoths Migration During Climate Change
Why were woolly mammoths forced to migrate north as the North American climate warmed 16,000 years ago?
O Woolly mammoths were vulnerable to diseases and so migrated away from them.
O Thick fur was an advantage in colder climates but harmed them in warmer climates.
O Predators moved in and drove the woolly mammoths to safer lands further north.
O Overhunting by humans drove woolly mammoths northward.
Answer
The correct answer is: B. "Thick fur was an advantage in colder climates but harmed them in warmer climates."
Woolly mammoths, the large, shaggy, prehistoric elephants, faced challenges as the North American climate warmed 16,000 years ago. They were forced to migrate north due to certain factors.
During that time, woolly mammoths were adapted to dwell in cold regions with their thick fur being advantageous in colder climates. However, as the climate warmed 16,000 years ago, their thick fur became a disadvantage in warmer climates. This made it harder for woolly mammoths to survive in their current habitats where the flora they relied on for sustenance decreased in abundance.
As a result, woolly mammoths were compelled to migrate northwards to locations where the climate was still favorable for their existence. Thus, the migration was influenced by the changing climate and its impact on the mammoths' physical attributes and food sources.