Elephants
Elephants (pronunciation: /ˈɛlɪfənts/)
Elephants are large mammals of the family Elephantidae and the order Proboscidea. Three species are currently recognized: the African bush elephant, the African forest elephant, and the Asian elephant.
Etymology
The word "elephant" is based on the Latin elephas (genitive elephantis) which is the Latinised form of the Greek ἐλέφας (elephas) (genitive ἐλέφαντος (elephantos)), probably from a non-Indo-European language, likely Phoenician.
Description
Elephants are characterized by their long trunk, large ear flaps, massive legs, and tough but sensitive skin. The trunk, also known as a proboscis, is used for breathing, bringing food and water to the mouth, and grasping objects.
Behavior
Elephants are known for their complex social structure. They live in tight matriarchal family groups, which are made up of mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts. These groups are led by the eldest female, or matriarch.
Related Terms
- Trunk (elephant): The long, prehensile nose and upper lip of an elephant.
- Tusks: The elongated, continuously growing front teeth, usually but not always in pairs, that protrude well beyond the mouth of certain mammal species.
- Pachyderm: A term often used to classify the thick-skinned animals, which includes elephants.
- Proboscidea: The taxonomic order to which elephants belong.
- Elephantidae: The family of elephants within the order Proboscidea.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Elephants
- Wikipedia's article - Elephants
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