Why was the mammoth considered a separate species from an elephant?

Answer 1

Like Neanderthals, Mammoths were 'left handed'.

Answer 2

Just looking at them they are as different as looking at a man verses an ape.  So why are apes considered separate species from man?

Answer 3

Because humans say so its science and how we iterprit it , the truth is we all came from the sea according to science so strictly speaking we are all related, we just developed differently .from a spider to a lion to an Elephant or a dinosaur of which birds are related to crazy huh ,

Answer 4

Seperate characteristics and genetic adaptations.

African Elephants aren't the same species as Asian Elephants either. 

Answer 5

Mammoths and elephants are close cousins belonging to the same taxonomic family, the Elephantidae, but they are separate genera. So they are different species.

Answer 6

Because the DNA differs and they have differencing characteristics. It's like asking why  labradors and golden retrievers are considered different.

Answer 7

Because it was a different species.  Why are dolphins not considered fish?  Because they're not.  Sometimes it really is that simple.