Once, with my daughter, I walked around the zoo. When we approached the aviary with an
African elephant, my daughter asked me a question that at first glance seemed simple: "Mom, why does the elephant need a trunk?" I hastened to explain to her that these were his “hands.” My explanation was quite happy with my daughter, but I myself didn’t. I was wondering what is the full functionality of this uncomplicated organ belonging to the largest terrestrial animal in the world, in other words, why does an elephant trunk? Let's figure it out together!
Why does an elephant need a trunk?
I myself thought that it was a kind of hand, nose and lip at the same time. Having read all kinds of literature, I realized that I was close to the truth. Comrades, it turns out that the trunk of an elephant is quite multifunctional! You don’t even know about some of its destinations!
Smell and lips
First of all, this, of course, the sense of smell! The trunk is the nose of an elephant. By turning it in different directions, the animal easily recognizes various odors, another animal, person or danger. In addition to smell, the trunk is also used by the elephant as a lip. With it, the animal easily takes out and puts food in its mouth.
"Hands" and "breadwinner"
Perhaps the most important explanation for why an elephant needs a trunk is, of course, his second “hands”! Since this is a
herbivorous animal, such a “hand” allows the mammal to easily tear leaves or entire branches from the upper tiers of trees, as well as draw water from rivers and lakes. By the way, the latter is a rather interesting moment in the life of elephants. Many people are not so much interested in why an elephant needs a trunk, but rather for what, why does he water himself from it? Friends, it’s just that - it’s the most common cooling shower, a forced measure on rather hot days, and as you know, in the places where elephants constantly live - India and Africa - the summer lasts all year round ... But back to our “rams”. The trunk helps not only to pluck the leaves, but also to drive away various insects that bite the ground giant. In addition, with the help of a trunk, an elephant itches. By the way, all this explains why the elephant has a long trunk. Evolution is not asleep! A short proboscis would hardly cope with the above tasks.
Self defense
One of the important functions of the trunk in the life of this animal is the ability to defend itself from enemies. A multifunctional organ is an enviable “weapon” against various enemies. I was interested to know that the blow with the elephant trunk is so powerful that sometimes it leads to the instant death of its offender! But in most cases, it is, of course, just injuries.
Means of communication
With the help of a trunk, elephants make various sounds that help these animals communicate with each other. In addition, without him, not a single mating game takes place. It is with this organ that the elephant conquers the female’s position ...
My trunk is my enemy!
When a person realized what great functionality is hidden in a single elephant organ, then, without hesitation, he began to subordinate the animal to his will. For example, the English colonialists used the elephant and its trunk for a very long time as labor. There were few blacks! The fact is that with the help of a trunk, an elephant easily sways trees, carries heavy objects (for example logs), paving the way where there is complete impassability.
So we figured it out!
So, dear friends, the trunk is the universal and vital organ of any elephant - both Indian and African! Now that I have a complete picture of information, I can easily answer the question of my daughter!