Elephant
Elephant
Elephant (/ˈɛlɪfənt/; from Greek: ἐλέφας, elephas and Latin: elephantus) is a large mammal 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. Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Etymology
The word "elephant" is based on the Latin elephantus, 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 the largest land animals on Earth, and they're one of the most unique-looking animals, too. With their characteristic long noses, or trunks; large, floppy ears; and wide, thick legs, there is no other animal with a similar physique.
Behavior
Elephants are known for their complex social structures. They form deep family bonds and live in tight matriarchal family groups of related females called a herd. The herd is led by the oldest and often largest female in the herd, called a matriarch.
Related Terms
- Trunk (elephant): The long, prehensile nose of an elephant.
- Tusk: A long, pointed tooth, usually one of a pair, extending outside the mouth of certain animals such as elephants.
- Pachyderm: A term often used to classify the thick-skinned animals, which includes elephants.
- Proboscis: A long, flexible snout or trunk, as of an elephant.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Elephant
- Wikipedia's article - Elephant
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