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The group Afrotheria encompasses a diverse range of mammals, including elephants and sirenians, which are further classified within the clade Tethytheria. Among the existing elephant species, there are three distinct types: the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), known for its large size and ability to inhabit various ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa; the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), a smaller and often more elusive species that primarily resides in the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa; and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), distinguished by its smaller ears and unique social structures, found throughout various regions in South and Southeast Asia.

Historically, both African elephant species were thought to belong to a single species, Loxodonta africana; however, modern molecular studies have revealed that these elephants are actually separate species, each adapted to their unique environment. In a fascinating twist of evolutionary history, mammoths (Mammuthus), the iconic giant elephants of the Ice Age, are more closely related to Asian elephants than to their African counterparts. This surprising genetic relationship highlights the complex evolutionary pathways of these magnificent creatures. Additionally, other extinct genera of elephants once roamed the earth, further enriching our understanding of the evolution and diversity within this remarkable order.