Proboscidea is an order of large mammals that includes modern elephants and their extinct relatives, such as the woolly mammoth. These animals are characterized by their long trunks, which are versatile tools used for feeding, drinking, and social interactions. Proboscidea members are known for their large size, thick skin, and tusks, which are modified incisors. The order originated around 60 million years ago and has undergone significant evolutionary changes. While today only three species of elephants exist, many other species once roamed the Earth, including the mastodon and straight-tusked elephant. Proboscidea plays a crucial role in their ecosystems, influencing vegetation and landscape dynamics.