iii.
What do we know about elephants? Some results of my inquiries:
Mammals, of the order proboscidea, family elephantidae. The largest land animals, with a gestation period of 22 months (longest of any land animal). Typically live for 50 to 70 years; the oldest recorded elephant lived for 82 years. Former (obsolete) order was pachydermata, meaning "thick-skinned."
Genetic evidence suggests that the elephant family shares distant ancestry with the sirenians (sea cows) and the hyraxes. Members of the hyrax family grew to large sizes, and it seems likely that the common ancestor of all three modern families was some kind of amphibious hyracoid. One theory suggests that these animals spent most of their time under water, using their trunks like snorkels for breathing. Modern elephants have retained this ability and are known to swim in that manner for up to 6 hours and 50 km (30 miles).
Trunk is a fusion of the nose and upper lip, elongated and specialized to become the elephant's most important and versatile appendage. Strong and sensitive. Used to tear up food and place it in the elephant's mouth; also used for drinking water.
Tusks are its second upper incisors. Tusks grow continuously; adult male's tusks will grow about 18 cm (7 in) a year. Used to dig for water, salt, and roots; to consume trees; to move trees and branches when clearing a path; also used for marking trees to establish territory; used occasionally as weapons. Has a dominant/master tusk: right or left, generally shorter and more rounded at the tip from wear.
Teeth cycle and are replaced through elephant's life. Old elephants die of starvation when they can no longer chew their food. [? is this significant?]
Skin is thick exc. ears, mouth. Wallow in mud as a form of sunscreen, and to regulate internal temperature.
Senses: Poor eyesight; excellent hearing and smell.
The elephant has appeared in cultures across the world. A symbol of wisdom in Asian cultures: famed for their memory and intelligence, where they are thought to be on par with cetaceans and hominids.
Aristotle: the elephant is "the beast which passeth all others in wit and mind."
The word "elephant" has its origins in the Greek ἐλέφας, meaning "ivory" or "elephant."
No natural predators.
What else might be relevant?
- Social lives of elephants (communication, groups)
- Interaction with humans (domestication, warfare)
- State of elephants in the world (hunting, captivity)
- Effects on environment
- Elephant rage (intoxication, musth)
- Are there any elephants in captivity in the city?
Mammals, of the order proboscidea, family elephantidae. The largest land animals, with a gestation period of 22 months (longest of any land animal). Typically live for 50 to 70 years; the oldest recorded elephant lived for 82 years. Former (obsolete) order was pachydermata, meaning "thick-skinned."
Genetic evidence suggests that the elephant family shares distant ancestry with the sirenians (sea cows) and the hyraxes. Members of the hyrax family grew to large sizes, and it seems likely that the common ancestor of all three modern families was some kind of amphibious hyracoid. One theory suggests that these animals spent most of their time under water, using their trunks like snorkels for breathing. Modern elephants have retained this ability and are known to swim in that manner for up to 6 hours and 50 km (30 miles).
Trunk is a fusion of the nose and upper lip, elongated and specialized to become the elephant's most important and versatile appendage. Strong and sensitive. Used to tear up food and place it in the elephant's mouth; also used for drinking water.
Tusks are its second upper incisors. Tusks grow continuously; adult male's tusks will grow about 18 cm (7 in) a year. Used to dig for water, salt, and roots; to consume trees; to move trees and branches when clearing a path; also used for marking trees to establish territory; used occasionally as weapons. Has a dominant/master tusk: right or left, generally shorter and more rounded at the tip from wear.
Teeth cycle and are replaced through elephant's life. Old elephants die of starvation when they can no longer chew their food. [? is this significant?]
Skin is thick exc. ears, mouth. Wallow in mud as a form of sunscreen, and to regulate internal temperature.
Senses: Poor eyesight; excellent hearing and smell.
The elephant has appeared in cultures across the world. A symbol of wisdom in Asian cultures: famed for their memory and intelligence, where they are thought to be on par with cetaceans and hominids.
Aristotle: the elephant is "the beast which passeth all others in wit and mind."
The word "elephant" has its origins in the Greek ἐλέφας, meaning "ivory" or "elephant."
No natural predators.
What else might be relevant?
- Social lives of elephants (communication, groups)
- Interaction with humans (domestication, warfare)
- State of elephants in the world (hunting, captivity)
- Effects on environment
- Elephant rage (intoxication, musth)
- Are there any elephants in captivity in the city?