Woolly Rhinoceros: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification & Much More

By Morgan Gutierrez

Woolly Rhinoceros: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification

Imagine a huge, mysterious creature that roamed the Earth long, long ago. Its name was the Woolly Rhinoceros. This magnificent animal, also known as Coelodonta antiquitatis in the world of science, lived during the Ice Age. Although sadly extinct now, the Woolly Rhinoceros left behind a fascinating and important legacy for us to discover.

The Woolly Rhinoceros was a truly remarkable creature. It was covered in thick, shaggy hair that kept it warm in the freezing cold. This awesome animal could grow up to 12 feet long and weighed around 4,000 to 6,000 pounds! Just try and imagine the size of a small car, and you’ll have a good idea of how massive they were. Their long, sharp horn on their nose made them even more unique.

Where did the Woolly Rhinoceros call home? This incredible animal was found in the frozen lands of Europe and Asia. It wandered through icy tundra and snowy grasslands, surviving in harsh temperatures and environments. These areas had a lot of plants and grasses for it to munch on, and the Woolly Rhinoceros used its strong jaws and teeth to graze on vegetation.

Although we can’t see these amazing creatures anymore, it’s important to learn about them. When we study extinct animals like the Woolly Rhinoceros, we can better understand the diversity of life that once existed on our planet. So, join us on this journey as we explore the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of the incredible Woolly Rhinoceros. Be sure to check out our other articles as well, where we have covered over 155 other fascinating animals.

History of Woolly Rhinoceros

The Woolly Rhinoceros was a magnificent creature that lived long ago during the Ice Age. This period happened many, many years ago when the Earth was covered in ice and snow. The Woolly Rhinoceros was a special kind of rhino that had long, thick fur to keep warm in the freezing cold weather.

During the Ice Age, Woolly Rhinoceroses roamed across Europe and Asia. They were very large creatures, almost as big as an elephant! They had a huge horn on their nose that could grow up to 1.5 meters long. This horn was used for protection and even for digging in the ground to find food. They were herbivores, which means they only ate plants like grass and leaves.

Sadly, the Woolly Rhinoceros went extinct around 10,000 years ago. There are a few reasons why this happened. The main reason is believed to be the changing climate. As the Earth started to warm up and the ice melted, the Woolly Rhinoceros lost its snowy habitat and the plants it relied on for food. They couldn’t adapt to the new conditions and slowly died out. Another reason could be the hunting done by early humans, who would use their thick fur and horns for clothing and tools.

The Woolly Rhinoceros is a fascinating animal that lived in a different time and faced many challenges in its environment. Although it is extinct now, scientists continue to study its remains to learn more about this ancient creature and how it lived during the Ice Age.

Importance of Woolly Rhinoceros

The Woolly Rhinoceros was an important animal because its existence helped scientists understand more about prehistoric times. By studying the bones and remains of this ancient creature, experts have been able to gain insights into the way the Earth and its climate used to be like millions of years ago. This knowledge is valuable in understanding how our planet has changed over time and how it might continue to change in the future.

Furthermore, the Woolly Rhinoceros played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems during the Ice Age. As herbivores, they grazed on grass and plants, thus preventing their overgrowth. This allowed other animals to thrive by creating a healthier and more diverse environment. The Woolly Rhinoceros acted as an important link in the food chain, contributing to the overall stability of the ecosystem it lived in.

Lastly, the Woolly Rhinoceros holds a special place in our history. Understanding and appreciating the animals that lived before us helps us better comprehend our place on Earth and appreciate the diversity of life that has existed throughout time. By learning about ancient creatures like the Woolly Rhinoceros, we can develop a deeper connection to the natural world and truly understand the importance of preserving and protecting the animals we share our planet with.

Amazing Facts About Woolly Rhinoceros

1. The woolly rhinoceros was an ancient animal that lived during the last ice age, around 350,000 to 10,000 years ago.
2. They were massive creatures, standing about 6 feet tall (1.8 meters) at the shoulder and weighing up to 4,400 pounds (2,000 kilograms).
3. Despite their name, woolly rhinoceros did not have actual wool, but they had a thick, shaggy coat of long hair that helped them stay warm in the cold climate.
4. These rhinos had two large horns on their heads. The front horn was usually longer, reaching up to 4 feet (1.2 meters), while the second one was shorter.
5. The horns of woolly rhinoceros were made of keratin, which is the same material found in human hair and nails.
6. They had a hump of fat on their shoulders, which helped them store energy and survive during periods of food scarcity.
7. Woolly rhinos had a relatively short, stocky body with a wide chest and strong legs, allowing them to move through snowy and icy terrain with ease.
8. These rhinos were herbivores, which means they only ate plants. They mainly fed on grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation that grew in their habitat.
9. Woolly rhinoceros were well adapted to the cold climate. They had a thick layer of fat and a woolly coat to protect them from the freezing temperatures.
10. Fossils of woolly rhinoceros have been found in Europe, Asia, and even parts of North America. This suggests that they had a wide distribution during their time.
11. They were well adapted for living in open grasslands and tundra regions, where they coexisted with other Pleistocene animals like mammoths and saber-toothed cats.
12. Woolly rhinos had poor eyesight, but they had a strong sense of smell and hearing, which helped them detect predators and find food.
13. These rhinos had long and powerful jaws with sharp teeth, allowing them to graze on tough grass and vegetation.
14. They lived in small groups or herds, which helped protect them from predators and provided a better chance of survival.
15. Sadly, the woolly rhinoceros went extinct around 10,000 years ago, possibly due to climate change and human hunting.

Can we keep Woolly Rhinoceros as our Pet?

Keeping a Woolly Rhinoceros as a pet is not possible because they are extinct. The Woolly Rhinoceros was a magnificent creature that roamed the Earth long ago during the Ice Age. Sadly, due to several reasons, they no longer exist today.

The extinction of the Woolly Rhinoceros happened thousands of years ago. It is believed that a combination of climate change, loss of habitat, and hunting by early humans led to their demise. As the Earth’s climate warmed up, the icy lands where they lived started to disappear, causing a decline in their food sources. Additionally, early humans hunted them for their meat and horns, which they used for various purposes. These factors, combined with the harsh environment they lived in, eventually led to the complete extinction of the Woolly Rhinoceros.

Today, we cannot keep a Woolly Rhinoceros as a pet because there are no more of them left in the world. Extinct means that a species has completely disappeared from the Earth. It is essential to understand that animals, especially extinct ones, should be appreciated and protected in different ways. By learning about their past and understanding the importance of conservation, we can help protect the species that still exist today.

In summary, the Woolly Rhinoceros is an extinct animal that lived during the Ice Age. They no longer exist today due to a combination of climate change, loss of habitat, and hunting by early humans. As a result, we cannot keep them as pets. It is crucial to respect and appreciate the animals that are still alive and work towards conserving their habitats and well-being.

Size of Woolly Rhinoceros

The Woolly Rhinoceros was a magnificent animal that lived long ago during the Ice Age. It was a big creature that measured about 12 feet in length, or as long as two tall grown-ups lying down nose to tail. Can you imagine how huge it was? Not only was it long, but it was also quite tall, standing about 6.6 feet tall at its shoulder. That’s higher than most doors!

This fantastic beast was covered with a thick coat of fur that was specially adapted to help it survive in the cold climate it lived in. Its fur was long and shaggy, just like the wool on a sheep. That’s why it was called the Woolly Rhinoceros! The fur helped keep it warm during the chilly winters. It even had a long, furry tail.

Now, let’s talk about its weight. The Woolly Rhinoceros was a heavyweight, weighing around 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. That’s as heavy as three small cars! Can you imagine how strong this animal must have been? It used its weight and strength to forage for food, dig in the ground, and protect itself from predators. It definitely was a force to be reckoned with!

The Woolly Rhinoceros, with its massive size and incredible adaptations, was truly a remarkable creature. Its long body, thick fur, and powerful build made it the perfect fit for the icy world it lived in. Although it is no longer around today, we can still learn a lot about this ancient giant and appreciate the wonders of Mother Nature and her amazing creations!

Habitat of Woolly Rhinoceros

The Woolly Rhinoceros, also known as Coelodonta antiquitatis, lived during the Ice Age in Europe and Asia. They had a special habitat that suited their needs. These creatures preferred living in cold environments such as grasslands and tundra regions. They could be found in places like Siberia and Alaska.

The first paragraph introduced the Woolly Rhinoceros and its habitat.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of this amazing animal’s habitat. Woolly Rhinoceros preferred open grasslands as their home. These grasslands were vast areas covered in lush green grass. They liked living here because the grass provided them with food to eat. Additionally, the open space allowed them to move around freely and find mates during the breeding season.

Apart from grasslands, Woolly Rhinoceros were also found in the cold tundra regions. Tundra is an environment where the ground is frozen most of the year, and not many trees grow. This habitat suited them well because these rhinoceroses were adapted to live in freezing temperatures. Their thick fur coat helped keep them warm. Additionally, the tundra provided them with a variety of plants to eat, such as mosses, lichens, and low-lying shrubs.

In conclusion, the Woolly Rhinoceros lived in cold environments like grasslands and tundra regions. These habitats provided them with ample food sources and ample space to move freely. Their thick fur coat helped them survive in freezing temperatures. It’s fascinating to imagine these magnificent creatures thriving in such extreme conditions during the Ice Age.

Evolution of Woolly Rhinoceros

The Woolly Rhinoceros, also known as Coelodonta antiquitatis, is an ancient animal that roamed the Earth during the Ice Age. Its evolution can be traced back millions of years to its ancestors, which were smaller and less hairy. These early rhinoceroses lived in warm climates, but as the Earth started to cool, their bodies began to adapt to the changing environment.

Over time, the Woolly Rhinoceros developed many unique features that helped it survive in cold, icy regions. One of the most notable adaptations was its long, thick fur, which protected it from the freezing temperatures. This fur also helped to camouflage the rhinoceros in its snowy habitat, making it harder for predators to spot it.

Another significant change in the evolution of the Woolly Rhinoceros was the growth of its two large horns on its snout. These horns served various purposes, including defense against predators and competing for mates. They were also used to dig through the snow and ice to find food, such as grasses and other plants.

The Woolly Rhinoceros eventually went extinct about 10,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of climate change and human hunting. However, its evolution remains an important example of how animals can adapt to survive in harsh environments. The fossils of the Woolly Rhinoceros provide valuable insights into the Earth’s past and help scientists understand the impact of climate change on different species.

Classification of Woolly Rhinoceros

The Woolly Rhinoceros is a fascinating creature that lived on Earth a long time ago. It was classified as part of the Rhinocerotidae family, which includes all the different types of rhinoceros species. This magnificent animal was also known as Coelodonta antiquitatis.

The Woolly Rhinoceros belonged to the Mammalia class, which means it was a warm-blooded animal that gave birth to live young ones. It had a large, sturdy body covered in thick fur. In fact, its fur was so thick and long that it provided protection from the freezing temperatures of their habitat, which was mainly in the Ice Age.

In terms of its physical appearance, the Woolly Rhinoceros had a strong, curved horn on its snout, which it used for defense and for digging up food. It was a herbivore, meaning it only ate plants and vegetation. This giant creature had a short and stocky neck, and it weighed around 1.5 to 2.5 tons. It also had a hump of muscle on its back, which helped it to move efficiently through the snowy landscapes where it lived.

Sadly, the Woolly Rhinoceros became extinct around 10,000 years ago. The exact reasons for their extinction are still unclear, but it is believed that the changing climate, the shrinking of their habitat, and human hunting may have played a role. Although they are no longer alive today, the Woolly Rhinoceros remains a captivating and important part of Earth’s history.

How did Woolly Rhinoceros Extinct?

The Woolly Rhinoceros, also known as the Coelodonta, was a magnificent creature that lived in the Ice Age. Sadly, it is now extinct and no longer exists in our world today. The main reason for its extinction is believed to be a combination of a changing climate and human hunting.

During the Ice Age, the climate was very cold, and the Earth was covered in thick ice and snow. The Woolly Rhinoceros was specially adapted to live in these freezing conditions. It had a thick coat of fur and a hump of fat to keep itself warm. However, as the climate started to change and become warmer, the habitat of the Woolly Rhinoceros began to disappear. The grasslands where it used to find food became scarce, and it became harder for the Rhinoceros to survive.

Another major factor in the extinction of the Woolly Rhinoceros was human hunting. Early humans, known as hunters and gatherers, relied on hunting animals for food and materials. The Woolly Rhinoceros was a large animal with valuable resources, such as its fur and horns. Unfortunately, as humans started to hunt these magnificent creatures more frequently, their population dwindled. Over time, the Woolly Rhinoceros could not reproduce fast enough to keep up with the rate at which it was being hunted.

In conclusion, the Woolly Rhinoceros became extinct due to a combination of a changing climate and human hunting. The harsh conditions brought on by a warming climate made it difficult for the Rhinoceros to find enough food to survive. Additionally, human hunting for fur and horns greatly reduced the population of these magnificent creatures. The extinction of the Woolly Rhinoceros serves as a reminder of how delicate our world can be and the impact that human actions can have on the survival of other species.

Geographical Presence of Woolly Rhinoceros

The Woolly Rhinoceros is found in the region known as Eurasia. This includes parts of Europe and Asia, such as Russia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. These are very cold areas with a lot of snow and ice. The Woolly Rhinoceros is specially adapted to survive in these cold environments with its thick fur and hump on its back.

However, you will not find the Woolly Rhinoceros in other parts of the world, like Africa or Australia. These regions have different climates and environments that are not suitable for the Woolly Rhinoceros to live in. They need the cold temperatures and snowy landscapes to survive.

Sadly, the Woolly Rhinoceros is now extinct. This means that there are no more Woolly Rhinoceroses left in the world. They used to roam the Earth thousands of years ago during the Ice Age, but they disappeared due to various reasons, including changes in climate and hunting by humans.

In conclusion, the Woolly Rhinoceros was found in the region of Eurasia, including parts of Europe and Asia. You will not find them in places like Africa or Australia. However, it is important to note that they are now extinct and no longer exist.

Scientific Name of Woolly Rhinoceros

The scientific name of the woolly rhinoceros is Coelodonta antiquitatis. This fascinating creature once roamed the Earth during the Ice Age, around 350,000 to 10,000 years ago. The woolly rhinoceros got its name from its long, thick fur, which helped it stay warm in the freezing cold environments it lived in.

Just like the rhinoceros we know today, the woolly rhinoceros had a large, horn-like structure on its nose called a horn. However, unlike the rhinos we see today, the woolly rhinoceros had two horns instead of one! The front horn was longer and curved, reaching up to an astonishing 1 meter in length, while the smaller horn was located behind it.

These magnificent creatures were herbivores, which means they only ate plants. They had powerful jaws and large teeth that allowed them to chew on tough, fibrous vegetation. The woolly rhinoceros was well adapted to its cold environment, with a thick, shaggy coat and hump of fat on its back to keep it warm. However, despite its impressive adaptations, this species eventually became extinct due to changes in climate and human hunting.

Diet of Woolly Rhinoceros

The woolly rhinoceros, just like other rhinoceros, had a specific diet that consisted mainly of plants. These big creatures were herbivores, which means they only ate vegetation and did not eat other animals. They lived during the Ice Age, a long time ago, and their diet helped them survive in the cold and snowy regions they inhabited.

The main food source for the woolly rhinoceros was grass. They would munch on different types of grasses that grew in the areas they roamed. Grass was abundant and readily available for them to eat. They had big and strong teeth that helped them grind the grass before swallowing it, allowing them to digest it properly.

In addition to grass, the woolly rhinoceros also ate other types of plants, such as leaves, shrubs, and even berries. They would use their powerful nose to sniff out these different types of food. The shape of their lips made it easy for them to grab and tear leaves or pluck berries from bushes. This variety in their diet helped them get the necessary nutrients they needed to survive in their icy environment.

To sum it up, the woolly rhinoceros was a plant-eating animal that survived on a diet mainly consisting of grass, leaves, shrubs, and berries. By feeding on these plants, they were able to find the energy they needed to survive the cold weather of the Ice Age. Their strong teeth and powerful sense of smell aided them in obtaining and consuming their food.

Locomotion of Woolly Rhinoceros

The Woolly Rhinoceros, a large and powerful animal that lived a long time ago, had a special way of getting around called locomotion. Locomotion means how an animal moves from one place to another.

The Woolly Rhinoceros had four strong legs with big feet that helped them walk on different types of terrain, like snow and ice. They could move pretty quickly, thanks to their muscles and strong bones. When they wanted to run away from danger or find food, they could reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour! That’s almost as fast as a car drives in a neighborhood. Even though they were big, they were agile and could turn and change direction easily.

In summary, the Woolly Rhinoceros had a special way of moving called locomotion. With its four legs and big feet, it could walk, run, and change direction quickly. It was a fast and skillful animal that used its powerful muscles and strong bones to get around.

Social and Sexual Behaviour of Woolly Rhinoceros

The woolly rhinoceros was a fascinating creature that lived long ago. When it came to social behavior, these ancient animals preferred to live alone or in small groups. This means that they did not enjoy being around too many other rhinoceroses. It was common for them to roam the cold tundra in small family units or even on their own. They were quite independent and liked their own space.

When it came to their sexual behavior, woolly rhinoceroses followed a similar pattern to many other animals. During the mating season, the males would compete with each other for the attention of the females. They would use their large horns to establish dominance and impress the females. The strongest and most impressive males usually won the chance to mate with the females. This was important for the survival of their species.

Overall, the social and sexual behavior of the woolly rhinoceros was quite interesting. They preferred a more solitary lifestyle, only spending time in smaller groups or by themselves. When it came to mating, the males would compete for the females’ attention, using their impressive horns. These behaviors were essential for the survival and continuation of their species.

Reproduction and Lifecycle of Woolly Rhinoceros

The Woolly Rhinoceros was a fascinating animal that lived during the Ice Age. Let’s explore how they reproduced and went through their life cycle.

The life cycle of a Woolly Rhinoceros started with the birth of their young ones. Female Woolly Rhinos would give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 15 to 16 months. Just like human babies, Woolly Rhino calves were born live. They were quite big and already covered in fur! This helped them stay warm in the icy environment they lived in.

After birth, the mother would take care of her calf, feeding it with her milk. The calf would grow and become stronger every day, relying solely on its mother for survival. As the calf grew, it would start to eat plants alongside its mother.

As time went by, the young Woolly Rhino would continue to grow and develop into a full-grown adult. Once they reached adulthood, they were ready to find a mate and reproduce. However, it is believed that Woolly Rhinos did not mate until they were around five years old. When the time to mate came, male rhinos would compete with one another to win over a female and ensure they were chosen as a mate. After mating successfully, the female would be pregnant for quite a long time before giving birth to a new generation of Woolly Rhinos.

And that’s how the fascinating Woolly Rhinoceros reproduced and went through their life cycle. From being born as a big furry calf to growing into a strong adult, these animals face many challenges just like other creatures on Earth. They were truly incredible creatures of the Ice Age!

Threats to Woolly Rhinoceros

The woolly rhinoceros faces several threats which endanger its survival. Firstly, habitat loss is a significant issue. As humans continue to expand their settlements and clear land for agriculture, the woolly rhinoceros loses its natural home. This restricts their ability to find food and water, leading to a decline in their population.

Secondly, illegal hunting has had a devastating impact on the woolly rhinoceros population. Poachers kill these magnificent creatures for their horns, which are highly valued in some cultures for their supposed medicinal properties. Even though it has been illegal to hunt woolly rhinoceros for many years, the demand for their horns remains high, fueling the illegal trade.

Another threat is climate change. The woolly rhinoceros is adapted to live in cold and snowy environments. However, global warming is causing the melting of ice and snow, leading to changes in their habitat. These changes disrupt their feeding and mating patterns, making it harder for them to survive and reproduce.

It is crucial to address these threats and take action to protect the woolly rhinoceros. Efforts must be made to conserve their natural habitats and ensure they have enough food and water. Strict enforcement of laws against illegal hunting is necessary to discourage poaching and reduce demand for rhino horns. Additionally, measures to combat climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, are essential to preserve the suitable environment for these magnificent creatures. Only through immediate and concerted action can we ensure the survival of the woolly rhinoceros for future generations.

Population of Woolly Rhinoceros

The Woolly Rhinoceros was a magnificent creature that roamed the Earth a long time ago. It is believed that at one point, there were thousands of them living in various parts of the world. Scientists estimate that the population of Woolly Rhinoceros could have been as high as 30,000 individuals at its peak. However, as time went on, their numbers started to decline.

Unfortunately, the Woolly Rhinoceros is now extinct. It is a tragedy because these majestic animals are no longer found on our planet. The last known Woolly Rhinoceros died around 10,000 years ago. While the exact reason for their extinction is not fully understood, scientists believe that a combination of factors, such as climate change and hunting by early humans, contributed to their decline.

The extinction of the Woolly Rhinoceros serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the impact that humans can have on the environment. It is crucial that we learn from this and take measures to protect other endangered species today. Every creature, no matter how big or small, plays a vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of our planet, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations.

Conclusion

The Woolly Rhinoceros, also known as Coelodonta antiquitatis, was a fascinating creature that lived during the Ice Age. This amazing animal was massive in size, measuring up to 12 feet long and weighing around 4,500 pounds! Can you imagine how big that is? It was much larger than the rhinoceros we know today.

The Woolly Rhinoceros was well adapted to its cold environment. It had a thick, shaggy coat of fur that kept it warm in freezing temperatures. This furry covering also helped it blend in with its surroundings, making it difficult for predators to spot. Its habitat was the tundra, which is a vast, treeless plain covered in snow and ice.

Sadly, the Woolly Rhinoceros is now extinct, which means it no longer exists on our planet. It is believed that climate change, along with overhunting by early humans, contributed to its disappearance. This is a sad reminder of how important it is to protect and care for animals in our world today. Let’s learn from the past and work towards creating a safer and healthier environment for all animals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Woolly Rhinoceros (FAQ’s)

Q1: What is a woolly rhinoceros?
A1: The woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) is an extinct species of rhinoceros that lived during the Ice Age.

Q2: How did the woolly rhinoceros get its name?
A2: The woolly rhinoceros got its name due to its thick, shaggy coat made of long hair.

Q3: When did the woolly rhinoceros exist?
A3: The woolly rhinoceros existed from around 350,000 years ago until about 10,000 years ago.

Q4: Where did the woolly rhinoceros live?
A4: The woolly rhinoceros lived primarily in the northern regions of Europe and Asia.

Q5: What did the woolly rhinoceros eat?
A5: The diet of the woolly rhinoceros consisted mainly of grasses, plants, and occasionally, shrubs.

Q6: How big was the woolly rhinoceros?
A6: The woolly rhinoceros was roughly similar in size to the modern white rhinoceros, with an average weight of around 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs).

Q7: Did the woolly rhinoceros have any natural predators?
A7: The woolly rhinoceros did not have any natural predators due to its large size and formidable horns.

Q8: What were the horns of the woolly rhinoceros used for?
A8: The woolly rhinoceros had two large horns on its snout, which were likely used for defense against predators and potentially for attracting mates.

Q9: Are there any woolly rhinoceros fossils found?
A9: Yes, numerous fossils of the woolly rhinoceros have been found across Europe and Asia.

Q10: Is the woolly rhinoceros related to modern rhinoceros species?
A10: Yes, the woolly rhinoceros is believed to be closely related to the modern rhinoceros species.

Q11: Why did the woolly rhinoceros become extinct?
A11: The exact reasons for the woolly rhinoceros extinction are uncertain, but it is believed that a combination of climate change and human hunting played a role.

Q12: How was the woolly rhinoceros adapted to the cold climate?
A12: The woolly rhinoceros had a thick layer of fur and a hump of fat on its back, which helped it survive in the cold climate.

Q13: Did the woolly rhinoceros have any social structure?
A13: It is believed that the woolly rhinoceros had a solitary lifestyle, with individuals mostly living and feeding alone.

Q14: How fast could the woolly rhinoceros run?
A14: The woolly rhinoceros was not particularly fast, with estimated speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph).

Q15: Are there any efforts to bring back the woolly rhinoceros through cloning?
A15: Currently, there are no known efforts to bring back the woolly rhinoceros using cloning techniques.

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